Peterbilt this week delivered its first production Medium Duty Hybrid Electric vehicles to VinLux Fine Wine Transport in Napa, Calif.

VinLux Fine Wine Transport took delivery of the first two Peterbilt Hybrid Model 335 production vehicles. VinLux Fine Wine Transport is a joint venture between two family owned companies, Biagi Bros. Inc. and Jackson Family Estates. The new Peterbilt Hybrid trucks will be used for delivery routes in urban locales like San Francisco.

The Class 7 Peterbilt Hybrid Electric Model 335 uses Eaton's Hybrid Electric Power System with an electric motor that assists the Paccar PX-6 engine with supplemental torque for improved fuel economy. The system stores energy during stopping through a process called regenerative braking, and then reuses it for acceleration. Fuel use, emissions and noise are greatly reduced.

"We applaud VinLux's adoption of Peterbilt Hybrid vehicles, as well as their innovative business model and commitment to environmental responsibility," said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt General Manager and Paccar Vice President. "Our Medium Duty Hybrid Vehicles have proven to not only provide a 30-50 percent increase in fuel efficiency, depending upon the application, but also dramatically reduce tailpipe emissions of hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen."

"We're committed to going green and protecting the Californian environment, and the Peterbilt Hybrids are a perfect solution for us," said Fred Biagi, Owner, VinLux Fine Wine Transport. "By adding Hybrid vehicles to our fleet, we expect our investment will be returned in as little as two years, based on the rapidly escalating price of fuel."

"We expect that the fuel efficiency and energy savings will be impressive while driving our high profile delivery routes," said Tom Tunt, President, VinLux Fine Wine Transport. "Peterbilt's hybrid technologies will be an important component of our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint while still meeting the delivery needs of our California customers."