MT. HOLLY, N.C. — Customers, partners, and employees of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) were on hand to greet the 1000th Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Hybrid as it rolled off the line this week.

A celebration followed at the Mt. Holly, NC plant where the vehicle is manufactured.

Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for DTNA, said the company has worked closely with partners and customers to develop its hybrid solutions.

“It is because of the shared dedication between us, our partners and customers that we were able to reach this important 1,000th vehicle milestone,” he said.

Last spring, DTNA opened a Local Hybrid Application Center in Portland, Ore. An extension of Daimler’s Global Hybrid Center in Japan, the Local Hybrid Application Center will spearhead DTNA’s product research and development for hybrid and alternative fuel solutions in North America.

Lampert said the Local Hybrid Application Center will work with the Global Hybrid Center to implement products that specifically meet the needs of the North American market.

DTNA says its commitment to green technologies is part of Daimler AG’s global "Shaping Future Transportation" initiative.

Launched in Stuttgart, Germany in 2007, the initiative is focused on reducing criteria pollutants, carbon dioxide, and fuel consumption. Not only has DTNA had success with its hybrid and all-electric products, it has demonstrated leadership in development and sales of other green products as well, including natural gas-fueled vehicles.

All of DTNA’s hybrid products are equipped with EPA 2010-compliant engines utilizing selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology and the Eaton Hybrid Electric Drivetrain System, a parallel hybrid system that enables the truck to operate using the diesel engine alone, or in combination with the hybrid electric motor.

The hybrid-electric motor provides power to launch and accelerate the truck, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions in stop-and-go operations, and the electric power comes from regenerative braking while the vehicle is slowing down.