FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — Twenty-one of the biggest mixed fleets in North America are working together to help speed the development of a cost-effective, light-duty hybrid work truck that reduces exhaust emissions while improving fuel economy compared to current vehicles.

These fleets make up the Light-duty Hybrid Action Group facilitated by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA). They represent a cross-section of work truck users, including utilities, state and county transportation departments and private companies. Combined, they manage more than 200,000 vehicles across classes 1-8.

“Many of the participating organizations already have some hybrid vehicles in their fleets, including passenger cars and utility line trucks. They are all interested in replacing some of their gasoline or diesel work trucks with hybrid models for a number of reasons, including reducing pollution and improving their fuel consumption profile,” said Doyle Sumrall, NTEA director of strategic opportunities.

“The Action Group has also discussed potential side benefits of incorporating the new technology, including a reduction or elimination of idling, the ability to perform a work activity without the engine running, and a reduction in brake maintenance.”

“…We are working to bring manufacturers, upfitters, end-users and other organizations together to speed commercially viable technology to market,” Sumrall said.

One of the organizations instrumental in providing the NTEA with support and insight in facilitating the Action Group’s initial activities is WestStart-CALSTART’s Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF). The group operates a user-driven program focused on assisting the commercialization of heavy-duty hybrid technologies. HTUF works to help truck manufacturers and end-users move to pre-production manufacturing levels and deployment based on common specifications.

The group will host its fourth meeting on March 6, 2007, at The Work Truck Show 2007 and the 43rd Annual NTEA Convention, at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Ind.

The summit includes multiple presentations led by industry experts on important considerations for alternative fuel vehicle deployment and vehicle hybridization.

Work Truck Show 2007 attendees can take part in a Hybrid Ride-and-Drive event on March 7 and 8. The Ride-and-Drive will showcase vehicles offering the highest level of technological advancement in hybrid technology or alternative fuel applications.

A “Stepping into the Future” Pavilion offers attendees the opportunity to check out the latest hybrid or alternative fuel technology initiatives and products on the show floor. This is one more way that attendees will benefit by being exposed to the latest technology through a state-of-the art look at what is happening on a commercial basis.