found in etrucker.com Industry Briefs

Coca-Cola deploys largest hybrid fleet Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue and EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg joined Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John F. Brock to announce the deployment of the largest hybrid electric delivery trucks in North America. As part of its overall commitment to energy conservation and climate change, CCE plans to deploy an incremental 185 hybrid electric trucks across the United States and Canada in 2009, bringing their total number of hybrid electric delivery trucks to 327, the largest such fleet in North America. "Their investment in hybrid electric vehicles distinguishes the company amongst its peers and ensures that it remains at the forefront as a true leader in corporate responsibility and sustainability," says Gov. Perdue. Meiburg, who presented CCE with a leadership award on behalf of the Southeast Diesel Collaborative for the company's commitment to hybrid vehicles to reduce diesel emissions, added, "EPA is proud to recognize the efforts of Coca-Cola Enterprises to improve air quality and protect public health. Emissions from diesel engines are a serious public health threat and environmental challenge, and reducing these emissions is a priority for EPA." The company has 142 hybrid electric delivery vehicles on the road, the majority of which are 12-bay box trucks (33000 gross vehicle weight). This is the largest heavy duty fleet in North America. Recently the company launched a new, larger hybrid electric tractor (55000 gross combination vehicle), which is the standard bulk delivery truck the company uses for large deliveries. The hybrid tractor uses about 30 percent less fuel and produces about 30 percent fewer emissions than standard tractors. A motor/generator, working with the transmission and a series of lithium ion batteries, allows the truck to source electrical power instead of gas when traveling at speeds below 30 MPH, reducing emissions and fuel use. The tractor builds on the success CCE has had with their fleet of hybrid electric 12-bay trucks and marries hybrid technology from Eaton Corporation with state-of-the-art equipment from key suppliers, Kenworth Corporation and Cummins Engines.