DENTON, TX – Peterbilt Motors Co. and Eaton Corp. have collaborated to produce an aerodynamic, heavy-duty vehicle with hybrid capabilities, with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. supporting development of the technology, according to the Web site www.thetrucker.com. Wal-Mart, which has the country’s second-largest private fleet, is helping to validate the concept and refine the final design.

Peterbilt and Eaton previously have partnered to develop hybrid-electric Class 6-7 vehicle platforms and Class 8 hybrid hydraulic vehicles. With a successful test and evaluation program, the heavy-duty hybrid electric power system will be available in 2009.

Wal-Mart previously had unveiled its “Sustainability 360” program to “promote environmental stewardship” among its customers. Wal-Mart expects the hybrid version of the Peterbilt 386, which the fleet already operates, to increase fleet efficiency by 25 percent over the next few years.

During third-party testing, the Eaton Hybrid Power System has achieved a five to seven percent fuel savings over non-hybrid models.