Cox Enterprises Reduces Fuel Usage and Carbon Emissions With New Fuel-Sipping Hybrid Trucks
31 Julio 2008 - 7:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
ATLANTA, July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its transition to a
more environmentally-friendly fleet, Cox Enterprises announced the
addition of nine International Durastar Hybrid Bucket Trucks. The
hybrid trucks from Navistar (NYSE:NAV) provide dramatic potential
fuel savings of nearly 60 percent in utility-type applications when
the engine is shut off and electric power still operates the
vehicle. Diesel emissions are completely eliminated when the hybrid
truck operates equipment such as overhead utility booms solely on
the truck's battery power, instead of requiring the engine to run.
With the 13th largest fleet in the country, Cox is transitioning
its fleet to lessen its impact on the environment by using
flex-fuel vehicles and replacing existing vehicles with more
fuel-efficient and/or hybrid models. Cox's fleet is comprised of
more than 15,000 vehicles - of which 257 are hybrids and 1,400 are
capable of running on bio-diesel. "At Cox, we're exploring all
options to lessen our reliance on traditional petroleum resources,"
said Mike Mannheimer, vice president and chief procurement officer,
Cox Enterprises. "Through our Cox Conserves program, we are
actively reducing our company's carbon footprint, and these trucks
are part of the larger solution. Not only are they better for the
environment, but they also reduce our overall fuel costs." The
hybrid trucks will be used by Cox Enterprises' multi-service
broadband communications and entertainment subsidiary, Cox
Communications. A "boom" or "bucket arm" extends on the trucks so
wires on utility poles can be repaired or maintained. The hybrid
trucks will be used in the following Cox Communications locations:
Hampton Roads, Va. (2) New Orleans Oklahoma City Orange County,
Calif. Phoenix Rhode Island San Diego Springfield, Va. "Cox is
taking a leadership role in the telecommunications industry when it
comes to operating clean, green vehicles," said Jim Williams,
director of new product sales & distribution, Navistar.
"They'll save money on fuel, run quieter trucks and significantly
reduce emissions in their communities." Hybrid Trucks The Hybrid
Truck Users Forum (of which Cox is a member) estimates that
1,000-1,500 gallons of fuel can be saved per utility-type truck
annually. At today's high diesel prices, that equates to a savings
of $4,000-$6,000 in fuel per truck annually. It also results in
annual greenhouse gas reductions of 11 to 16.5 tons of Greenhouse
Gases per unit. International hybrid trucks employ a parallel-type,
diesel-electric hybrid architecture that is supplied by Eaton
Corporation. It incorporates an electric motor/generator between
the output of an automated clutch and input of the automated
transmission. The system recovers energy normally lost during
braking and stores the energy in batteries. The hybrid-electric
system recovers energy during braking, and can add power back into
the driveline during start and acceleration. This capability makes
the truck more efficient in standard driving, particularly in city
and stop-and-go driving. When the truck reaches a work site, the
hybrid system can power the hydraulic pump that operates the aerial
device and electric tools for up to two hours without the engine
running. It is this ability to shut the engine down at work sites
that helps the truck cut fuel use so significantly. The engine-off
option during worksite operations further reduces noise, emissions
and fuel costs. Cox Conserves (http://www.coxconserves.com/) Cox
Enterprises has already reduced its carbon footprint by 10% from
2000- 2007. Cox Conserves is the company's national sustainability
program designed to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint by an
additional 20% by 2017. In addition to making operational changes
across the company, the program also encourages the company's
83,000 employees and their families to engage in eco- friendly
practices. Cox Enterprises, Inc. (http://www.coxenterprises.com/)
Cox Enterprises is one of the nation's leading media companies and
providers of automotive services, with 2007 revenues of $15 billion
and more than 83,000 employees. Major operating subsidiaries
include Cox Communications, Inc. (cable television distribution,
telephone, high-speed Internet access, commercial
telecommunications, advertising solutions and Travel Channel); Cox
Newspapers, Inc. (newspapers, local and national direct mail
advertising); Cox Television (television and television sales rep
firms); Cox Radio, Inc. ([NYSE: CXR] broadcast radio stations and
interactive Web sites); Manheim, Inc. (vehicle auctions, repair and
certification services and web-based technology products) and Cox
Auto Trader (automotive publications and a majority stake in
AutoTrader.com). About Navistar (http://www.navistar.com/newsroom)
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE:NAV), a Fortune 500 Global
Company with roots stemming back over 175 years, produces
International(R) brand commercial and military trucks,
MaxxForce(TM) brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial
buses, and Workhorse(R) brand chassis for motor homes and step
vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of
diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The
company also provides truck and diesel engine parts and service.
Another affiliate offers financing services. For more information
about ordering hybrid trucks, interested customers can visit
http://www.internationaltrucks.com/ . DATASOURCE: Cox Enterprises,
Inc. CONTACT: Elizabeth Halter of Cox Enterprises, +1-678-645-0762,
, or Dane Roth for Navistar, +1-312-228-6843, Web site:
http://www.coxenterprises.com/ http://www.coxconserves.com/
http://www.internationaltrucks.com/
http://www.navistar.com/newsroom
Copyright