PORTLAND, OR - For nearly two decades, the City and County of Denver has sought solutions that decrease energy demands and improve air quality.

One approach to reducing harmful emissions and improving the environment has been the "greening" of Denver's fleet. The Denver Fleet Management Division, which maintains more than 1,900 vehicles and pieces of equipment for the city, began building its hybrid fleet with the purchase of light-duty hybrids, and recently added four Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Hybrid trucks when older units came due for replacement. These aerial bucket trucks will be used for forestry, traffic signal, and traffic sign repair.

"The Freightliner trucks mark our entry into medium-duty hybrid use, and are a welcome addition to our fleet," said Ernie Ivy, fleet director, City and County of Denver. "With the new trucks, we will improve the way we deliver services to the citizens."

The Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Hybrid features the Eaton Hybrid Electric parallel Drivetrain System that enables the truck to operate using the diesel engine alone, or in combination with the hybrid electric motor. This not only provides additional power to launch the vehicle and improve fuel economy in stop-and-go operations, but also reduces emissions and operating noise, particularly when the hybrid system powers the auxiliary equipment in ePTO mode.

"We operate in neighborhoods all around Denver, so our goal is to reduce pollution and noise in the places where we live and work," said Ivy. "The trucks also further our efforts to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum use."  Denver is receiving grants for the hybrid purchases and should recoup its outlay for the hybrid technology in 5 to 7 years through increased fuel economy and lowered maintenance expenses.

In addition to its environmentally-friendly features, the Business Class M2 106 Hybrid features outstanding maneuverability with a wheel cut up to 55 degrees, a broad windshield for enhanced visibility and a roomy and comfortable interior.

With Freightliner trucks already making up a significant portion of the City and County of Denver's conventional cab fleet, officials have long relied on Freightliner trucks to provide critical services, such as snow removal and traffic signal repair.  

"As the City and County of Denver continues to develop more strategies to reduce its carbon footprint, we are continuing to develop the right products that will help them reach their goals," said Melissa Clausen, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. "We look forward to continuing our long-term partnership with Denver by providing them with efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions."

For more information on Freightliner Trucks, visit www.FreightlinerTrucks.com.