Freightliner Trucks has announced availability of its Business Class M2 106 Hybrid drop-frame beverage truck, designed for fuel savings and reduced emissions, the company said.

"Freightliner engineered a vehicle more conducive to sustainability," said Melissa Kellogg, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. "Our customers want a better business tool that improves
efficiency and environmental stewardship."

The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) features a diesel engine and an electric motor/generator, which the company said saves up to 30% in fuel consumption and 87% idling time, and also produces less noise.

In a separate announcement, Freightliner Custom Chassis said it has released a compressed natural gas- (CNG) powered chassis, carrying the same payload as FCCC’s diesel-powered versions, 10,000 to 19,000 lbs. with a GVWR range of 14,140 to 30,000 lbs.

The CNG version is available in both MT-45 and MT-55 chassis and meets 2010 EPA emissions standards, the company said. UPS will deploy 167 of the CNG-powered walk-in vans in early 2008 in California, Texas, and Georgia.