Daimler Trucks North America recently marked the production of its 1,000th hybrid-electric vehicle with a celebration at its plant in Mt. Holly, N.C. The 1,000th vehicle – a Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Hybrid truck – is manufactured at the Mt. Holly location.
In addition to the Business Class M2 106 Hybrid, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, a subsidiary of DTNA, manufactures hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) chassis, hydraulic-hybrid vehicle (HHV) chassis and an all-electric chassis for the walk-in van industry. FCCC also manufactures HEV chassis for the commercial bus market segments. In 2009, Thomas Built Buses, another DTNA subsidiary, launched is first HEV, the Saf-T-Liner C2e solution, also supported by FCCC’s hybrid-electric chassis.
All of DTNA’s hybrid products are equipped with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2010-compliant engines with selective catalytic reduction technology and the Eaton Hybrid Electric Drivetrain System, a parallel hybrid system that enables the truck to operate using the diesel engine alone, or in combination with the hybrid electric motor. The hybrid-electric motor provides power to launch and accelerate the truck, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions in stop-and-go operations, and the electric power comes from regenerative braking while the vehicle is slowing down. Further, DTNA hybrid’s can be equipped with electronic PTO and/or 110V power generation capabilities to power hydraulics, lights, tools or other equipment for jobsite or refrigerated cargo applications.
“DTNA has worked closely with our partners and customers to develop leading-edge hybrid solutions that shape future transportation by maximizing fuel efficiency while also benefiting the environment,” says Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for DTNA. “And it is because of the shared dedication between us, our partners and customers that we were able to reach this important 1,000th vehicle milestone.”
Last spring, DTNA announced the opening of its Local Hybrid Application Center in Portland, Ore. An extension of Daimler’s Global Hybrid Center in Japan, the Local Hybrid Application Center will spearhead DTNA’s product research and development for hybrid and alternative fuel solutions in North America. DTNA’s commitment to green technologies is part of Daimler AG’s global “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative. Launched in Stuttgart, Germany in 2007, the initiative is focused on reducing criteria pollutants, carbon dioxide and fuel consumption.
