Advanced hybrid technologies developed jointly by Peterbilt Motors Co. and Eaton Corp. have been integrated into an aerodynamically styled heavy-duty vehicle for fuel efficiency and greater environmental stewardship.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which operates the nation's second largest private fleet, is supporting development of new hybrid technologies by helping to validate the concept and refine the final design. Wal-Mart recently announced its "Sustainability 360" program that will aggressively promote environmental stewardship among customers, suppliers and associates through a number of global innovation projects. Peterbilt and Eaton have previously partnered to develop hybrid electric Class 6-7 vehicle platforms and Class 8 hybrid hydraulic vehicles. With a successful test and evaluation program, the heavy-duty hybrid electric power system will be available in 2009. "We are pleased to partner with Peterbilt to produce a heavy-duty hybrid truck that we believe delivers a strong value proposition," says Jim Sweetnam, Eaton senior vice president and president of the Truck Group. "During the past five years, we've clearly demonstrated our leadership in the hybrid marketplace with the success of our patented hybrid power system in the medium-duty marketplace. We're excited that Wal-Mart's fleet is now seeing the value of our hybrid technology." "Peterbilt and Paccar Inc are leaders in developing solutions that help customers improve fuel economy through superior aerodynamic designs and advanced technologies. We continue to design products, improve processes and develop technologies that are environmentally responsible," says Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. "As we refine our heavy-duty hybrid platform for future production, we are fortunate to have Eaton and Wal-Mart as partners to help develop the best possible vehicle system for both customers and the environment." Tim Yatsko, senior vice president of Transportation for Wal-Mart, said, "We are continually looking for new, innovative ways to improve the fuel economy and reduce the emissions of our fleet. We currently operate the Peterbilt Model 386, and we anticipate that the hybrid version will help us move toward our goal to increase our fleet efficiency by 25 percent over the next few years." During third-party testing, the Eaton Hybrid Power System has routinely achieved a 5-7 percent fuel savings versus comparable, non-hybrid models. It may result in a savings of one gallon of fuel per hour when idling. At an average diesel price of almost $2.50 per gallon, those savings equate to about $9,000 to $10,000 a truck per year in operation.
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