With the DuraStar Hybrid beverage tractor, Powers Distributing will build on its commitment to environmental leadership. Those older biodiesel trucks take another 10,000 gallons of diesel off the roads annually.
“Upgrading our fleet with the International DuraStar Hybrid is part of Powers’ commitment to using renewable resources and leaving Michigan cleaner, healthier and stronger for future generations,” said Powers Distributing’s President Gerald Powers. “By using more homegrown US-made fuels and less imported diesel, we can help break our nation’s dangerous dependence on fossil fuels. Powers and the hard-working employees at our family company are proud to do what we can to strengthen our nation’s energy security, from recycling and conservation to clean-burning biofuels. These International DuraStar Hybrid tractors represent the future and we encourage other businesses to join us in investing in new American technology that can reduce dangerous greenhouse gases and protect our land, air and Great Lakes.”
In addition to reducing fuel use by up to 40%, the International DuraStar Hybrid also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the International DuraStar Hybrid emits up to 33% fewer hydrocarbon emissions and 35% fewer nitrogen oxide emissions compared with standard diesel trucks.
“Navistar, in collaboration with Eaton Corporation, was the first to deliver assembly line production of hybrid technology to the truck industry,” said Steve Sexton, sales manager for Tri-County. “We’re pleased to congratulate Powers Distributing on being the largest purchaser among beer distributors nationally of the hybrid product. We think Powers is setting an excellent example for the beverage industry and other businesses in our region by making this significant investment in environmentally-friendly technology.”
The International DuraStar Hybrid features an integrated hybrid power-train solution jointly developed by Navistar and Eaton Corporation. The trucks employ a hybrid technology that includes a 60-horsepower electric motor and 460-volt batteries, supplementing a MaxxForce DT 244-horsepower engine that runs on a biodiesel mix of up to 20%. The hybrid-electric system recovers energy during braking and can add power back into the driveline during starts and acceleration.
“Our trucks cover 700,000 miles a year, delivering more than 5 million cases of a wide range of beverages to our valued retail customers in southeast Michigan,” Powers said. “As we deliver choice to our customers and create local jobs in our community, thanks to the International DuraStar Hybrid, we look forward to operating more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. Powers is grateful that we can continue giving back to and making a positive impact in a community that has supported us for 70 years.”
For decades, Navistar has demonstrated its commitment to clean technologies that benefit the environment and its customers. Navistar was the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to release the smokeless diesel engine and was the first engine manufacturer to gain EPA certification for meeting 2007 particulate and hydrocarbon emissions standards – six years ahead of schedule.
For its ongoing leadership, Navistar was honored with the 2007 Blue Sky Award from WestStart-CALSTART for its contributions to the commercial development of diesel-hybrid technology. This preeminent award is presented each year by WestStart-CALSTART, the nation’s leading advanced transportation technology industry organization working to support and accelerate the growth of companies developing clean and energy-efficient transportation technologies.
Navistar is a US-based provider of International brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus brand school and commercial buses, and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans.
Powers Distributing is a US-based provider of roughly one hundred regional and internationally known beverage products.
Tri-County is the franchise holder for the Navistar line of trucks in Southeast Michigan.
