Deutsche Post World Net is the first logistics company in Europeto trial hybrid trucks in its operations. The go-ahead for the largest fleet test in the company’s history was given on January 29, 2008 during the World Mobility Forum in Stuttgart. Andreas Renschler, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Daimler Trucks, today handed over the first two vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz Atego BlueTec Hybrid and a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid, to Deutsche Post World Net. The trial will initially include DHL Express operations in the UKas well as mail transport in Germany. In the coming months further Daimler hybrid vehicles will be integrated into the DHL fleet.
“With this initiative we are underlining our technological leadership in the sector and showing that we are serious about our environmental responsibilities,” said Christian Stiefelhagen, Member of the MAIL Divisional Board responsible for transport and mail centers within the MAIL Division. Daimler and Deutsche Post anticipate that the two 7.5 ton vehicles, which run on hybrid diesel-electric engines, will use up to 20 percent less fuel than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles and will also lead to a reduction in each vehicle’s CO2 emissions.
Andreas Renschler said: “Today, Daimler is the global market leader in commercial vehicles with a hybrid drive. Our ‘Shaping Future Transportation’ initiative for a cleaner environment shows that we take our responsibility towards our customers and the environment very seriously. We are delighted to be able to provide DHL with the world’s first Mercedes-Benz hybrid-drive truck to use in its postal operations.”
DHL can already draw on past experiences with hybrid vehicles in Japanwhere DHL has been successfully using the Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid since July 2006.
Deutsche Post World Net is currently working on a comprehensive climate protection program for the entire Group. One point of focus is the use of alternative drives, such as electric, gas and hybrid engines. With its DHLInnovationCenter, opened in March 2007, the Group thus is leading in technologies and innovations. It is facing up to its responsibility as the world’s market leader in logistics and helping to limit greenhouse gas emissions. “We hope to become a role model for the entire sector with our environmentally friendly projects,” explained Stiefelhagen. As global trade continues to grow, so too does the transport of goods around the globe and harmful CO2 emissions.
Deutsche Post World Net is the world’s leading logistics group. Its integrated Deutsche Post, DHL and Postbank companies offer tailored, customer-focused solutions for the management and transport of goods, information and payments through a global network combined with local expertise. Deutsche Post World Net is also the leading provider of Dialog Marketing services, with a unique portfolio of efficient outsourcing and system solutions for the mail business. The Group generated revenue of 60 billion euros in 2006. With currently some 500,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories Deutsche Post World Net is one of the biggest employers worldwide.
Daimler Trucks is a division of Daimler AG and the world’s leading truck manufacturer. The portfolio includes the five truck brands Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Western Star, Sterlingand Mitsubishi Fuso