Daimler Donates Hybrid Truck to Food Rescue Effort

Forgotten Harvest, a non-profit that provides mobile food rescue services, has added its first hybrid-powered truck to its fleet.

The Class 7 Freighliner, which was donated by Daimler Trucks North America, will allow the organization to transport 850,000 more pounds of food annually at a 30 percent fuel savings.

Klaus Entenmann, president and CEO of Daimler Financial Services, and Chris Patterson, recently retired president and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America, presented the keys to Susan Goodell, executive director of Forgotten Harvest at the organization's Metro Detroit facility. Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies of Rice Lake, Wis., provided the 20-foot fiberglass truck body powered by ElectriMax all-electric refrigeration that will keep the food fresh.

The M2e Hybrid Freightliner blends combined diesel and electric power needed, while launch and acceleration are helped by the 60-horsepower electric motor. The braking power restores the battery charge.

"This generous donation by our friends at Daimler Financial, Daimler Trucks and Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies is a leap forward in advancing our mission of reducing hunger and waste," Goodell said. "It will not only improve our operating efficiency by keeping fuel costs down, it will also allow us to direct more donated dollars to distributing food in a way that protects the environment."

This marks the fifth truck to be donated by Daimler Financial Services and Daimler Trucks North America and aftermarket body builders in the past four years.

"There is a tremendous need to feed the hungry all over the United States, but especially here in Michigan where the economy has taken its toll on those most in need," said Entenmann.

Last year, the organization delivered 9.5 million pounds of food to emergency food providers throughout the area, while this year, it expects to give out more than 12 million pounds, due to increased demand. The food, which is donated by grocers, wholesalers, farmers and other food providers, is delivered same day and free of charge to soup kitchens, shelters and pantries in the Detroit area.