Feb. 28, 2008 - Coca-Cola, UPS, and SC Johnson are boosting their investment in cleaner, more fuel-efficient delivery and sales fleets.

UPS Canada is adding 139 cleaner-burning propane delivery trucks to its existing fleet of 600. The propane vehicles run on liquefied petroleum gas, emitting about a third of the greenhouse gas emissions compared to trucks equipped with conventional combustion engines. With the addition of the new trucks, alternative-fueled vehicles will comprise 34% of the company's total delivery fleet.

Coke has placed an order for 120 new hybrid trucks to be delivered this year. Coke's fleet expansion builds on successful testing of 20 hybrid delivery vehicles in 2007. The company estimates that the hybrid-electric drivetrain-equipped trucks emit about a third fewer emissions and reduce fuel consumption up to 37% compared to conventionally-powered trucks in its current fleet. Coke also reports lower maintenance costs on the hybrid  trucks.

SC Johnson has inked a lease deal to add new hybrid vehicles to its sales fleet each year through 2011. Last year, 25% of the new cars added to the sales force fleet were hybrids. The company's hybrid-vehicle policy is part of a larger company effort to source 40% of its energy needs from renewables by 2011.