One buyer takes 576 hybrid utes
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6th June, 2010
As part of the process to make their fleet 'eco-friendly',
the US company Verizon has purchased 576 Chevrolet Silverado Two-Mode Hybrid utilities. These big utes (called
pick-ups in North America) are said to deliver the city fuel economy of a four-cylinder sedan.
The hybrid Chevrolet Silverado blends an internal combustion engine with battery-powered electric motors to
offer customers the technology needed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent over a conventional
full-size utility - the best of any full-size ute.
“When Verizon first approached us about environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles for their
urban drivers, we knew the Silverado Hybrid was the perfect fit because of its outstanding city and highway MPG
ratings,” said Brian Small, GM Fleet and Commercial Operation general manager. “Immediately the team went
to work to meet Verizon’s ambitious July delivery deadline.”
GM's two-mode system enables the Silverado to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, and allows
the Vortec 6.0 litre V8 engine to operate in its more economical V4 mode for longer periods. This technology is
the only hybrid system capable of being used in full-size trucks, which further emphasises Chevrolet's full-size
truck competitiveness.
“A major part of our sustainability strategy is to make smart use of lower-carbon alternatives to power
our fleet and the operation of our high-IQ broadband networks,” said James Gowen, chief sustainability
officer for Verizon. “By adding 1,600 alternative energy vehicles to our fleet this year we’re conserving
fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in communities across the country.”
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Committed to finding practical and innovative ways to reduce the carbon footprint of its global operations,
Verizon launched a comprehensive sustainability programme earlier this year. The programme expanded the number
of alternative energy vehicles in their fleet – one part of a multi-pronged approach. The company placed the
order for the 576 hybrid utes, with a dealer in Hazelton, Pennsylvania.
The Chevy utes, to be deployed in urban areas in various Verizon’s markets, are powered by the standard
Vortec 6.0 litre V8 engine delivering 332 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft of torque, it has a payload of 6,100 lbs.
(2WD) or 5,900 lbs. (4x4). The vehicles also comes with an eight-year/100,000 mile limited warranty on hybrid
components and a five-year/100,000 transferable powertrain limited warranty.
To further capitalise on the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid’s fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, Verizon
collaborated with BrandFX Body Company and GM to develop the light-weight fibreglass insert to be installed in
the truck’s load bed. The composite insert, the lightest weatherproof container on the market, will house
Verizon’s service equipment, such as ladders, wiring, connectors and television set boxes.
“We have a long history with Verizon and it’s always our pleasure to work with OEMs to provide the most
fuel-efficient composite products for automotive applications,” said Lee Finley, BrandFX Body Company
co-owner.
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