Fasttrack

TNT builds up its green fleet worldwide

TNT is doubling its effort to cut carbon emissions of its road fleet with the introduction of over 100 electric trucks in the UK, China, and Australia.

TNT Express and Smith Electric Vehicles launched recently in London the world’s largest fleet of zero emission electric vehicles. TNT’s new 100-strong fleet of battery-powered “Newton” delivery trucks will replace diesel equivalents over the next 18 months. The 7.5-ton lorries will prevent the release of up to 1,299,000 kilograms of CO2 into the atmosphere of UK each year. The first tranche of 50 trucks will operate from TNT locations in London, Basildon, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh, Enfield, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Luton, Northampton, Oxford, Paisley, Preston, and Wolverhampton. The partnership with Smith – the world’s largest manufacturer of road-going commercial electric vehicles – follows an 18-months trial in London. TNT is looking into piloting electric vehicles in all major European cities.

In Wuhan city, capital of Hubei Province, China, TNT began its first-zero-emissions test outside Europe with a trial of battery-electric delivery vans, designed, manufactured and assembled by Dong Feng Motor Co., China’s largest automaker and manufacturer of electric vehicles. The light electric vans have a top speed of 80 kph (50 mph), a range of 160-200 km (100-124 miles) and a one-ton load capacity.

Last April, TNT Express Australia introduced 10 Hino hybrid trucks, becoming the first business in Australia to start operating a fleet of diesel-electric hybrid as replacements for conventionally powered vehicles. The new trucks emit 14 percent less CO2 and 50 percent less nitrous oxides than a conventional diesel truck of equivalent size. With the said hybrids, TNT anticipates reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 kilograms of CO2 a year per vehicle.

“Greening our road fleet is a must to achieve TNT’s quest to become the first zero emissions express and mail company,” says TNT CEO Peter Bakker. “TNT is renewing its operations to reduce their environmental impact. Examples range from greener offices and depots to electricity sourcing and innovative electric vehicles.”

Bigger and Better

Thule, the world’s number one and most trusted brand in load carrying systems and bicycle racks, is moving to a much bigger and better showroom. The new showroom reflects Thule’s discover your world theme with different showcases featuring outdoor lifestyles around the showroom floor from kayaking to bicycle touring. “The displays will be highlighted with strategic lighting and cool interior colors which is pleasing to the eye. It will be a lifestyle shop designed to be a haven for outdoor enthusiasts,” adds Erwin Versoza of Thule/EGR Philippines.

An added attraction of the Thule showroom will be the different products of MOMO Italy from Perfect Circle and a Subaru Impreza STi courtesy of Motor Image Pilipinas. “Both MOMO and Subaru are high end consumer products which have carved a respectable niche in the local industry. The inclusion of MOMO and Subaru in the Thule showroom will add prestige and glamour, which will definitely compliment Thule’s line of load and cargo systems,” adds Versoza.

Scheduled to be operational before the end of the year, the Thule new showroom will be located at the Ground Floor of the Banco de Oro Bldg. 2, Ortigas Avenue, West Greenhills, San Juan, beside the Segafredo Zanetti Café.