CHICAGO, Ill. — Peterbilt Motors Company is displaying its Model 320 Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA) at the 2008 Waste Expo in Chicago. The vehicle, designed for vocational stop-and-go refuse applications, has the potential to dramatically improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and reduce maintenance service.

The vehicle utilizes HLA technology by Eaton Corporation that captures the truck’s kinetic energy during braking to assist in launching and accelerating the vehicle. Officials say testing has proven a significant improvement in fuel economy and indicated the potential to reduce annual brake re-alignment services by 50% annually.

“The Model 320 HLA is an ideal environmental option for refuse applications,” says Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice-president. “Dramatic improvements in fuel economy, reductions in emissions and lower maintenance costs spotlight the Peterbilt Model 320 Hydraulic Hybrid as the environmentally responsible, fuel-efficient solution for municipal and residential solid waste transportation fleets.”

Hydraulic Launch Assist technology works by recovering up to 75% of the energy normally lost as heat by the vehicle’s brakes in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid. This fluid is stored in an on-board accumulator until the driver next accelerates the vehicle.