DHL Express France to test environmental vehicles
DHL Express France has announced plans to start testing a new highly ecological vehicle in Lyon in cooperation with manufacturer Renault Trucks and the local network of urban communities ‘Grand Lyon’ in order to measure the impact of the truck on the environment.
These tests are part of the European research programme FIDEUS (Freight Intelligent Delivery of Goods in European Urban Spaces) which aims at developing new concepts of transportation in urban areas to minimize the emissions.
The aim of the tests is to validate regulations covering safety, noise reduction and CO2 emissions as well as to check its operating efficiency.
This vehicle will be tested in real-life conditions by a DHL Express driver who will carry out a cycle of tests as part of his usual route when picking up and distributing DHL shipments in the city centre.
The Renault Trucks prototype is equipped with an advanced electronic measurement system and has special equipment allowing it to reduce heavy noise and polluting emissions. It also includes a telematics system informing the driver when he enters an urban area so he can activate the noise and pollution reduction system.
“This partnership proves DHL’s daily commitment to the development of sustainable distribution modes respecting the environment and at the same time taking into account our customers’ demands,” said Jean Laguérie, Manager Environment, Quality and Support at DHL Express.
Since 2005, FIDEUS has brought together the players of the automotive industry, transport and logistics sectors and the cities of Hanover, Lyon and Barcelona as well as various authorities. FIDEUS is co-financed by the European Commision’s programme of research and development of sustainable ground transportation.
