Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced it has received the CALSTART 2008 Blue Sky Award for innovation and advancement in sustainable transportation technology.
The annual award recognizes outstanding marketplace contributions to clean air, energy efficiency and the clean transportation industry overall.

"Eaton's hybrid power systems have earned the company recognition as a global leader in alternative power for commercial vehicles, and we are pleased to accept this prestigious honor from CALSTART," said Jeff Krakowiak, Eaton senior vice president - sales and marketing. "As a power management company, Eaton is focused on providing products and services that help our customers use power more efficiently and responsibly. Our hybrid innovations are part a global commitment to sustainability that extends throughout Eaton's electrical, hydraulics, aerospace, truck and automotive businesses."

Eaton produced both hybrid electric and hybrid hydraulic systems, including the Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA®) parallel hybrid system. This breadth of technology was a driving force behind Eaton's winning the Blue Sky Award and is a key advantage for customers who are able to select the system best suited to their business and market needs.

Customers using Eaton hybrid power systems in their fleets include FedEx Express, UPS, Coca-Cola Enterprises, PepsiCo and Guangzhou Yiqi Bus Company. In addition, Peterbilt, Kenworth, International and Freightliner currently offer Eaton diesel-electric hybrid drives as a production option in North America. Depending on hybrid application and driving patterns, reported fuel savings range from 30 to 60 percent, with similar reductions in harmful emissions and particulates.

"Eaton truly deserves this credit for its pioneering clean transportation technology work and for the company's commitment to developing - and then taking to market - cutting-edge solutions for the transportation industry," said John Boesel, president and chief executive officer of CALSTART.

Other Eaton technologies that help customers conserve energy and manage power include advanced lighting control systems for commercial buildings, uninterruptible electrical power systems for data centers, high-pressure hydraulics for the aerospace industry, and fuel-efficient automotive superchargers.

CALSTART is a participant-supported organization of more than 150 firms and organizations worldwide, dedicated to expanding and supporting a high-tech transportation industry that cleans the air, creates jobs, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves energy efficiency. More information is available at www.calstart.org.