Eaton Corporation announced today it has received the CALSTART 2008 Blue Sky Award for innovation and advancement in sustainable transportation technology. The annual award recognizes outstanding marketplace contributions to clean air, energy efficiency and the clean transportation industry overall.
"Eaton's hybrid power systems have earned the company recognition as a global leader in alternative power for commercial vehicles, and we are pleased to accept this prestigious honor from CALSTART," said Jeff Krakowiak, Eaton senior vice president - sales and marketing. "As a power management company, Eaton is focused on providing products and services that help our customers use power more efficiently and responsibly. Our hybrid innovations are part a global commitment to sustainability that extends throughout Eaton's electrical, hydraulics, aerospace, truck and automotive businesses."
Eaton is the only manufacturer producing both hybrid electric and hybrid hydraulic systems, including the Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA) parallel hybrid system.
Customers using Eaton hybrid power systems in their fleets include FedEx Express, UPS, Coca-Cola Enterprises, PepsiCo and Guangzhou Yiqi Bus Company. In addition, Peterbilt, Kenworth, International and Freightliner currently offer Eaton diesel-electric hybrid drives as a production option in North America. Depending on hybrid application and driving patterns, reported fuel savings range from 30 to 60 percent, with similar reductions in harmful emissions and particulates.
"Eaton truly deserves this credit for its pioneering clean transportation technology work and for the company's commitment to developing - and then taking to market - cutting-edge solutions for the transportation industry," said John Boesel, president and chief executive officer of CALSTART.