Corporate Express US, part of the Dutch-based Corporate Express NV, announced today, Jan. 21, that it will be one of the first companies in North America to pilot a prototype diesel hybrid-electric delivery truck from Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. Corporate Express’ pilot of this vehicle marks the company’s first step toward adding Isuzu hybrid-electric vehicles to its U.S. delivery fleet, with the goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and minimizing environmental impact.
Corporate Express expects to receive the prototype vehicle in April in Los Angeles. “As a pure business-to-business company, our distribution operations are a primary focus as we work to reduce our carbon footprint,” says Jay Mutschler, president of Broomfield, Colo.-based Corporate Express US. “We approached Isuzu about a diesel hybrid-electric vehicle last year, and we are extremely pleased that our partnership with them is enhanced with a pilot of this terrific emerging technology here in the U.S.”
The majority of Corporate Express US’ trucks are from Isuzu, which has been the company’s long-time trucking partner since 1992. “Isuzu is committed to technologies and programs to address safety, environment and economy, and this partnership reinforces that commitment,” says Makoto Kawahara, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “We will continue to work with Corporate Express and other environmentally conscious companies to meet their needs.”
Isuzu is working with Enova Systems to retrofit the Isuzu truck prototype with its HybridPower drive system — a turnkey system that combines an enhanced electric motor and electronic controls to help power the vehicle. Enova Systems is a global provider of environmentally friendly hybrid drive systems for vehicles that provide significant savings in fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas and noise pollution.
