FedEx Express today announced plans to introduce 10 hybrid-electric/diesel vehicles to its Europeanfleet, bringing the worldwide total of hybrid vehicles in revenue service at FedEx to more than 100
in North America, Asia and, now, Europe.The vans, manufactured by Iveco, will initially be trialled close to the manufacturer’s sitein Turin, Italy, and will be the first hybrid-electric/diesel vehicles operated by FedEx in Europe.FedEx currently operates 95 hybrid vehicles in the U.S., Canada and Japan.
The van and the hardware that enables the vehicle to operate on both electric and dieselsystems will be unveiled at the European Road Transport Show in Amsterdam, Oct. 24 through Nov. 3,2007, FedEx said in a statement.
“FedEx is making smart strategic investments in projects that will help drive the commercialdevelopment of new technologies for industry. We expect these hybrid-electric vehicles to performwith increased fuel efficiency and decreased emissions, making them ideal for city and urbanenvironments,” said Robert Elliott, president, FedEx Express, Europe, Middle East, the IndianSubcontinent and Africa.
“Over the last two years, Iveco and FedEx have joined efforts to develop a newDiesel-electric hybrid vehicle. The Daily Hybrid, showing for the first time at the European RoadTransport Show, provides the autonomy and fuel efficiency of a diesel vehicle with zero-emissionlevels of the electric engine, said Stefano Sterpone, senior vice president, Iveco Sales &Marketing.
“This investment demonstrates FedEx’s continuing commitment to aid in the further developmentof hybrid-electric commercial vehicles across the globe, and reflects the growing commercialviability of this technology,” said John Formisano, vice president of Global Vehicles, FedExExpress. “We have been pleased with the performance of other hybrid vehicles already in operationacross our global fleet.”
FedEx added that it recognizes that effective environmental management is one of its mostimportant corporate priorities, and is committed to implementing and helping develop newcost-effective green technologies that provide a real alternative for businesses and consumers.
