May 27, 2008 - Global express-mail company TNT is swapping diesel delivery trucks for low-emissions vehicles in a bid to become the first in the industry to achieve zero emissions.

More than 100 battery-powered trucks will replace diesel delivery vehicles throughout the U.K. over the next 18 months. TNT says it is currently evaluating plans to expand the electric-vehicle program to all major European cities.

Earlier this month TNT partnered with Dong Feng Motor Company, China's largest automaker, to pilot battery-electric delivery vans in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province.

In April, TNT Express Australia introduced hybrid trucks into its delivery fleet - the first company in Australia to do so, according to TNT.

"Greening our road fleet is a must to achieve TNT's quest to become the first zero-emissions express and mail company," says company CEO Peter Bakker. In addition to pursuing electric vehicle technologies, TNT is also working to green its offices and source cleaner electricity for its operations, Bakker notes.