GAFFNEY, S.C. — The hybrid engine technology developed and introduced by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC), Eaton and Detroit Diesel will be on public display for the first time at two of the trucking industry’s largest shows in early 2007.

A new step forward in the medium-duty truck industry, the hybrid walk-in van chassis from FCCC will make its debut at the Technology and Maintenance Council’s 2007 Annual Exhibition, being held Feb. 6 to 8 in Tampa, Fla. Next, a fully configured hybrid electric walk-in van will be available for driving demonstrations at the NTEA Work Truck Show Hybrid Ride and Drive, being held March 7 to 9 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Visitors to either show will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at the technology behind the hybrid walk-in van chassis from FCCC.

“It’s very exciting for us at Freightliner Custom Chassis to put our hybrid walk-in van technology on display for everyone to see,” said Joe Snyder, FCCC’s walk-in van product manager. “We’ve already seen great success in the chassis’ preliminary operations, but for many, this may be the first opportunity to get a look at the technology up close and firsthand.”

Hybrid walk-in vans are built on FCCC’s MT-45 SR chassis platform, which provides all of the operating benefits of a standard Freightliner walk-in van chassis along with the added value and savings from the hybrid-electric powertrain.

The technology powering the hybrid chassis works by using lithium-ion batteries to capture and store energy during a regenerative braking phase of the vehicle’s operation. This provides a constant source of stored electrical power on demand.

The battery is charged through the powertrain, which means there’s no need for a power cord or electrical outlet.