Innovative Trial Launch by TNT and Dong Feng Motor Takes Lead to Reduce CO2 Emission by the Chinese Transport Industry

May 6, 2008 (Wuhan, China) — TNT, one of the world's largest express and mail delivery services companies, and Dong Feng Motor Co., China's leading automaker, today announced the trial launch of China's first zero emission electric delivery vans in the city of Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province. The innovative trial, involving two light electric trucks, will set the example for the transport industry to reduce C02 emission from their delivery vehicles in China. The initiative is part of TNT's strategy to become the first zero-emission road and air transport company.

The two electric delivery vans are designed, manufactured and assembled locally in Wuhan by Dong Feng Motor Co. The electric delivery vans are powered by rechargeable batteries without using any gasoline fuel. They will operate emission free in the city areas of Wuhan, serving the express delivery needs of TNT's customers.

With a greater push by the Chinese government to combat climate change issues through the National Action Plan on Climate Change launched in 2007, TNT and Dong Feng Motor Co. believe that electric delivery vans are a solution to reduce CO2 emission in Chinese cities. Both companies are committed to promoting the use of such vehicles in China and TNT is currently exploring the feasibility of expanding the use of the zero-emission delivery vans in other cities across Mainland China.

During the launching ceremony, TNT's CEO Peter Bakker said: "The trial launch of China's first two electric delivery vans is significant as it will be the first market outside of Europe that TNT is bringing to market this trial that will reduce CO2 emission from our own delivery fleet. He added, "Corporate social responsibility is an important part of TNT's corporate culture. As a transport company producing carbon emission, we are committed to finding solutions. We are seeking to combine environmental and business goals by exploring new ways to operate, from greener offices and depots to innovative vehicles."

"Dong Feng is delighted to be part of this extremely innovative collaboration with TNT," said Mr Xu Ping, General Manager, Dong Feng Motor Co. "The trial launch of the electric delivery vans signifies our determination and confidence of reducing CO2 emission in the transport industry. As one of China's largest auto-maker and the leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, Dong Feng Motor will continue to contribute to the development of China's auto industry and to build a harmonious and overall well-off society."

"Driven by our global strategy to cut CO2 emissions，the trial of China's first two zero-emission electric delivery vans is a significant part of TNT's sustainable development in Mainland China. Combating climate change is a global collective effort and everyone has a part to play. Through our efforts today, we hope to be a force-for-good to trigger greater attention on climate changes issues amongst the business community in China." said Michael Drake, Managing Director of TNT Greater China.

TNT already runs several electric vehicles in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Benelux. TNT's express division successfully tested a 7.5 tonne zero-emission electric truck in London for a year and considers adding fifty more to its UK fleet. In Rotterdam, TNT is piloting two zero emission trucks in the city's most congested areas. They offer lower maintenance costs than a conventional combustion vehicle. Besides, TNT is testing vehicles running on bio-fuels, bio-gas, or hydrogen in various countries, such as India, the Netherlands, and Germany. All these efforts are part of TNT's ‘Planet Me' programme, which aims to provide transparency on the company's carbon footprint, reduce CO2 emissions from its operations, and encourage the 161,500 employees to do the same in their private lives.

 

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