FedEx to deploy greener hybrid-electric vans in Europe

FEDEX, said to be the world's largest express company, has announced plans to introduce 10 hybrid-electric/diesel vehicles into its European fleet, bringing the worldwide total of hybrid vehicles in the company's service to more than 100 in North America, Asia and Europe.

The vans, manufactured by Iveco, will undergo trials near the manufacturer's plant in Turin, and will be the first hybrid-electric/diesel vehicles operated by FedEx in Europe. FedEx currently operates hybrid vehicles in the US, Canada and Japan.

The van and the hardware that enables it to operate on electric and diesel systems will be exhibited at the European Road Transport Show in Amsterdam this week and next.

"With nearly 100 hybrid-electric/diesel vehicles already on the road, knowledge of local regulations and a commitment to the development of alternative technology solutions, FedEx is the perfect company to operate these vehicles," said Robert Elliott, FedEx Express president for Europe, the Middle-East the Indian subcontinent and Africa.

"This investment demonstrates FedEx's continuing commitment to the further development of hybrid-electric commercial vehicles across the globe, and reflects the growing commercial viability of this technology," said John Formisano, vice president of global vehicles, FedEx Express.