FedEx Express has signed agreements for the development of a new wave of hybrid petrol-electricvans for its delivery fleet, at least 20 of which are to be delivered by May next year.
The carrier, which already has over 90 hybrid electric vehicles in its fleet, struck a dealwith leading developer Azure Dynamics to develop a gasoline parallel hybrid-electric powertrainengine for its Ford E-450 delivery van programme.
“FedEx Express introduced hybrid-electric vehicles to the commercial vehicle market six yearsago, and we look forward to further advancing this important, environmentally-conscious initiativewith Ford and Azure Dynamics,” said John Formisano, FedEx Express’ vice-president, global vehicles.
“We continue to look for opportunities for economic efficiencies, environmental stewardshipand being a good corporate citizen. We are encouraged that this project can do just that.”
In 2004, FedEx Express introduced the FedEx OptiFleet E700 ‘green’ truck into its deliveryfleet. With 93 hybrid-electric vehicles in service in North America that have travelled more thanone million miles, FedEx Express says it has the largest fleet of hybrid-electric delivery vehiclesof any transport company in the USA.
Meanwhile, FedEx also announced it has renewed its contract with the US Commerce Departmentto help promote export opportunities for US small and medium-sized enterprises.
As part of the new five-year agreement, FedEx and the US government’s commercial Service areto continue to help businesses develop successful export strategies through free resources such asmarket research, trade leads, export seminars, and supply chain management services.
