Paris, 28 September 2006 – FedEx Express and Daimler-Chrysler today announced the launch of a trial of a prototype delivery vehicle, with a new generation of hybrid technology using both electric and diesel to power the vehicle.
As part of its commitment to support the development of cleaner and more efficient vehicles, FedEx will trial the vehicle over three months from October 3, 2006 on a standard delivery route from the Aubervilliers and St Ouen stations to central Paris, testing the vehicle for both the level of emissions and its ability to handle the demands of commercial and industrial use.
“FedEx is committed to new technologies that provide a real option for businesses and consumers in today’s market and are excited about the opportunity to test this new technology in a real-life environment” said Mr John Formisano, vice president of global fleet management for FedEx Corporation.
As part of its desire to improve the traffic conditions within the nation’s capital, FedEx also takes part in studies conducted by the Paris City Council to optimise and regulate the delivery of goods in the French capital, signing the “Transport and Goods Delivery Resolution for Best Practice” as part of their dedication to improve traffic conditions in the centre of Paris in June this year.
With approximately 42,000 vehicles in operation across the globe, knowledge of local regulations and a commitment to the development of alternative solutions, FedEx was identified as the perfect partner to test the vehicle and provide feedback on its performance.
“FedEx was an obvious choice for us. In addition to operating vehicles across city, their history of innovation and commitment to the development and use of alternate energy solutions will ensure that their feedback is valuable in properly testing and assessing the vehicle.” said Heiko Selzam, Key Account Manager, Daimler Chrysler.
When powered by electricity, local vehicle emissions are zero, removing minute particles and other gasses from the surrounding environment. The three-month test will measure the extent of reduced emissions the vehicle can provide.
FedEx has adopted clean fuel or hybrid vehicles across its global operations, including Japan and the United States. The company has also invested in other fuel-saving technologies, such as the largest corporate solar electric system above its hub at the Oakland International Airport, which provides approximately 80% of the peak local demand of the facility.
FedEx has also made significant investments to limit the impact of its activity on the environment across its European operations. This includes seven vehicles that use a urethra spray to cleanse emissions by breaking emissions into hydrogen and water, complying with Euro 5 requirements, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) powered ground support equipment at the Charles de Gaulle hub in Paris, and an additional 38 LPG-powered delivery vehicles across the United Kingdom.
About the Mercedes-Benz 316 CDI Hybrid Delivery Vehicle
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 CDI is a full-hybrid-vehicle with plug-in-technology, powered by a combination of a 115 kW diesel engine with direct injection and an electronic engine with 70 kW power.
The electric motor is placed between the combustion engine and the automatic transmission. The electric engine gets power from a Lithium-ion battery. This battery is reloaded during driving with the energy, which originates from slowing down or during a descending ride.
Batteries can be reloaded in standing position at a socket (plug-in). In pure electronic operation the hybrid-vehicle, having a permissible total weight of 3.88 tons, reaches up to 30 km.
The Lithium-Ion-battery has a capacity of 15 kWh and is placed underground and does not affect the loading space.
About FedEx Corporation
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $ 33 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brands. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 275,000 employees and contractors to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, vgo here.
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, usually in one to two business days with the delivery time guaranteed.