UPS Adds 50 Hybrid Electric Vehicles to Fleet

Governor applauds company for reduction in emissions, increase in fuel efficiency

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today congratulated Atlanta-based UPS for expanding its alternative-fuel fleet with the deployment of 50 next-generation hybrid electric delivery vehicles.

"UPS already has a fleet of more than 1,300 alternative fuel vehicles and another 19,000 low-emission vehicles – the largest and most technologically advanced fleet in the industry," Governor Perdue said. "These 50 new hybrids will reduce fuel consumption, cut costs and reduce emissions at the same time."

The 50 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) will operate in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Phoenix. The company says that 12 of the vehicles will be used here in Atlanta.

"We're excited to be among the first to deploy the latest in HEV technology because it promises a 45 percent increase in fuel economy in addition to a dramatic decrease in vehicle emissions," said UPS CEO Mike Eskew, who joined Governor Perdue at the State Capitol for today's announcement.

The 50 new HEV package cars are expected to reduce fuel consumption by roughly 44,000 gallons over the course of a year compared to an equivalent number of traditional diesel trucks. The hybrids also should reduce by 457 metric tons the amount of CO2 gases released annually into the atmosphere.

UPS has agreed to work with the U.S. Energy Department over the course of 2007 to share the vehicles' fuel economy, emissions and other performance data.

The UPS alternative fuel fleet currently includes trucks powered by compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane and electricity. UPS also has been testing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydraulic hybrid technology in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency and others.

UPS, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing the movement of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (UPS) and the company can be found on the Web at UPS.com.