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Peterbilt Motors Co. displayed its Model 320 Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA), designed for stop-and-go refuse applications, at the 2008 Waste Expo this week in Chicago. The vehicle improves fuel economy, reduces emissions and minimizes maintenance service, the company said.

“Municipalities were looking at this as a real practical application to step into the green world and reduce fuel, as well as wear and tear,” Jim Zito, national sales manager for Peterbilt, told FleetOwner.

The Hybrid Model 320 on display, which uses HLA technology developed by Eaton Corp., captures the trucks kinetic energy while braking to help launch and accelerate the vehicle, improving fuel economy and reducing annual brake re-alignment services, the company said.

According to Zito, final testing is currently being done and the Model 320 should be available later this year. At this time, the company doesn’t have immediate plans to expand the HLA beyond refuse, he added, although Eaton is looking at it for non-truck applications.

View more Fleet Owner news relating to idle reduction, fuel conservation, fuel economy and diesel fuel prices.

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