UPS has announced plans for a raft of low-emission vehicles as part of its new fleet of delivery trucks.

The world’s largest package delivery company has pledged to acquire 4,100 "low-emission conventional vehicles" during 2006 as well as ordering 50 hybrid electric delivery trucks.

Boasting 10,000 low-emissions vehicles already in use, the major US firm's decision to embrace clean technology underlines the growing corporate appeal of the new technology and the impact of clean-air incentives.

UPS, which says research is also being conducted together with the Environmental Protection Agency on a hydraulic hybrid drivetrain, says it is keen to continue developing its green fleet.

Robert Hall, UPS’s fleet environmental manager, said the hybrid trucks and the low-emission vehicles were "just one part of a multifaceted strategy to reduce fuel dependency, cut greenhouse emissions and in the long run, reduce operating costs".

"Our long-term goal is to minimize dependence on fossil fuels, and we will get there by deploying a wide variety of new automotive technologies in our fleet," he added.

The 4,100 low emission vehicles boast an improved fuel economy of 15 per cent and are expected to save 1.5 million gallons of fuel each year.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd