Daimler to Bring 600 Green Trucks on US Streets

Daimler Trucks North America today announced that it will participate in the Clean Cities program started by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and will bring 600 trucks featuring hybrid or natural gas drive systems on the US streets. The company said it will take part in at least seven program awards representing $32.9 million (approx. €23 million) in funding to supply green trucks to national fleet operators.

The US DOE is offering approximately $100 million for companies that decide to participate in the program, with around $84 million to be used for vehicle purchases. The scheme is basically supposed to help and encourage large fleet companies migrate towards clean and fuel-efficient technologies which, according to an official release, could lead to new jobs, stimulate the economy and even "help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil".

“This decision by the DOE is tremendously important to our company because it will enable us to safeguard our North American jobs and allow our employees to continue moving ahead full-steam with the development of alternative fuel technologies,” says Martin Daum, Head of Daimler Trucks North America.

“Our customers also benefit from our being able to offer them sustainable vehicles that are ready for future challenges. In addition, the choice honors Daimler’s efforts to create new environmental technology jobs and improve air quality, thus ensuring healthier communities.”

Daimler Trucks will use the money awarded by the US DOE to build 600 Freightliner Business Class M2e 106 hybrid electric trucks and tractors, and Freightliner Business Class M2 112 natural-gas trucks in CNG (compressed natural gas) and LNG (liquid natural gas) variants.