DHL Express France has announced plans to start testing a new highlyecological vehicle in Lyon in cooperation with manufacturer Renault Trucks and the local network ofurban communities ‘Grand Lyon’ in order to measure the impact of the truck on theenvironment.
These tests are part of the European research programme FIDEUS (FreightIntelligent Delivery of Goods in European Urban Spaces) which aims at developing new concepts oftransportation in urban areas to minimize the emissions.
The aim of the tests is to validate regulations covering safety, noisereduction and CO2 emissions as well as to check its operating efficiency.
This vehicle will be tested in real-life conditions by a DHL Expressdriver who will carry out a cycle of tests as part of his usual route when picking up anddistributing DHL shipments in the city centre.
The Renault Trucks prototype is equipped with an advanced electronicmeasurement system and has special equipment allowing it to reduce heavy noise and pollutingemissions. It also includes a telematics system informing the driver when he enters an urban areaso he can activate the noise and pollution reduction system.
“This partnership proves DHL’s daily commitment to the development ofsustainable distribution modes respecting the environment and at the same time taking into accountour customers’ demands,” said Jean Laguérie, Manager Environment, Quality and Support at DHLExpress.
Since 2005, FIDEUS has brought together the players of the automotiveindustry, transport and logistics sectors and the cities of Hanover, Lyon and Barcelona as well asvarious authorities. FIDEUS is co-financed by the European Commision’s programme of research anddevelopment of sustainable ground transportation.
