Courtesy of GreenFleets British Columbia.

FUEL AND EMISSION REDUCTION STRATEGIES ON DISPLAY AT GREEN FLEET EXPO
In its fourth year, Green Fleet Expo (GFX) is growing. This year more ‘green’ fleet vehicles will be presented, seminars will be available for fleet operators, to guide them in creating a greener fleet, and Green Fleet Leadership awards will be given out.
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REDUCING EMS AND POLICE VEHICLE EMISSIONS
EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and Police fleet vehicles in particular spend a lot of time idling. In the process, they produce a lot of greenhouse gases. Now a program from Fleet Challenge Ontario has begun, that promises to reduce EMS and police vehicles emissions and may have implications for other types of fleets.
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MITSUBISHI PARTNERS WITH HYDRO QUEBEC
Up to 50 i-MIEV all-electric vehicles will be used in the city of Boucherville by Hydro Quebec after it partnered with Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN). Fleet drivers from Boucherville, Hydro-Quebec and other companies will drive the vehicles in urban fall and winter conditions. "Hydro-Québec is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by playing a key role in the electrification of transportation,” said Thierry Vandal, president, Hydro-Quebec. “This trial is designed to study the vehicles' charging behaviour, driving experience as well as overall driver satisfaction. It will also allow Hydro-Québec to evaluate the challenges involved in integrating electric vehicles into its grid."

PHH GREENFLEET AIMS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS
PHH’s Greenfleet program created to reduce fleet greenhouse gas emissions functions by directing selection of fuel-efficient vehicles, stressing maintenance, driver training and rigorous monitoring.  PHH cites lowered fleet emissions by 14 per cent, operating costs by seven per cent and fuel economy by 15 per cent, in year one. “Our clients who have been on the program for a number of years often achieve an even higher level of savings,” said Karen Healey, PHH Director Green Initiatives.

CHEVROLET VOLT EXPECTED TO ACHIEVE 230-MPG
General Motor’s testing shows Volts city fuel economy at 230 MPG (100 Km/L). “From data we’ve seen, many Chevy Volt drivers may be able to be in pure electric mode on a daily basis without having to use any gas,” said GM CEO Fritz Henderson. “EPA labels are a yardstick for customers to compare the fuel efficiency of vehicles, so a vehicle like the Volt that achieves a composite triple-digit fuel economy is a game changer.” GM used Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data methodology (being developed), which gives higher weight to city than highway driving, and applies kilowatt-hours per 100 miles measurements to define electrical efficiency.

PHH ARVAL GREEN FLEET SURVEY RESULTS
PHH Arval, recently conducted an online version of its annual industry-wide survey of public and private sector fleet managers on the subject of the environment. The survey was designed to gauge fleet managers’ insights into environmental issues and solutions regarding their company vehicles and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the survey, interest in environmental issues remains strong despite current economic conditions and while cost continues to be a barrier to reducing fleet emissions the perception of green vehicles is changing. The survey is available here with full analysis.

VOLKSWAGEN CANADA TO BRING IN HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
Volkswagen Canada (VWC) confirmed it will offer Hybrid technology, under BlueMotion Technologies. “There has been no definite date set yet for the first launch, but is expected to be in the next 18 to 24 months,” said Peter Viney, public relations manager, VW Canada. BlueMotion Technologies includes: TSI direct injection engines, DSG duel-clutch gearboxes and TDI Clean Diesel engines.

INTERNATIONAL'S FIRST HYBRID 4X4
International Workstar Hybrid 4x4, is the first four-wheel drive diesel-electric hybrid commercial truck. “By developing another hybrid truck that reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, we’re able to deliver significant savings to the customers’ bottom line and, at the same time, help them reduce their overall carbon footprint,” said Steve Guillaume, Navistar general manager, Vocational Trucks which produced the hybrid. Workstar Hybrid 4x4 also creates zero emission when powering auxiliary equipment.

RAPID ELECTRIC VEHICLE SYSTEMS (REV)
Fleet vehicle operators will have access to Ford Rangers, Escapes and F-150s fitted with all-electric drive systems through REV. New vehicles can be bought with the system installed, or it can be installed on existing vehicles. “We’re completely focused on transforming the most popular North American fleet vehicles into electric vehicles,” said Jay Giraud, president and CEO of REV..

BIOFUEL TESTS IN ALBERTA
Low-level renewable diesel blends tested well in tests by Alberta Renewable Diesel Demonstration (ARDD) on truck fleets. “Biodiesel is a viable tool in diversifying our energy supply and reducing green house gases in some of the harshest of Canadian weather conditions,” said Gordon Quaiattini, of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. Two per cent diesel blends were tested in winter, five per cent in spring/summer. “Biofuels provide significant environmental benefits when implemented in a sustainable way,” added said Alberta’s Energy Minister.

NISSAN's NEXT-GENERATION FUEL CELL
Testing has begun on Nissan Motor Co., Ltd’s next-generation fuel cell. Fitted to the X-Trail FCV, the new cell provides 130Kw of power. It is 25 per cent smaller, intended to last longer and is cheaper to build. It is part of the Nissan Green Program 2010; new technologies to help reduce emissions.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI GETS HIGH RATING
Canada’s Department of Natural Resources named Volkswagen’s Jetta Wagon TDI Clean Diesel the most fuel-efficient station wagon. According to Volkswagen Group Canada Inc (VWC), TDIs fuel consumption is rated at 4.8 L/100 km, allowing over 1,100 kilometers per 55-litre tank. “This recognition by Natural Resources Canada is both tremendous and very timely. Volkswagen is launching its TDI Clean Diesel alternative fuel technology across Canada to give consumers a choice when purchasing or leasing a new vehicle,” said John White, president and CEO of VWC.