April 13, 2009 - FedEx Express has announced early results from its hybrid-truck trial in Italy, reporting that the specially designed vehicles cut fuel consumption 26.5% and CO2 emissions by 7.5 tons compared to traditional delivery trucks.

The hybrid diesel-electric trucks, designed by commercial truck maker Iveco, feature fuel-saving control mechanisms such as "Stop & Start," which allows the vehicle to start in electric mode and brake with energy recovery.

"The results of this new investment confirm the ongoing commitment of FedEx Express to making hybrid truck technology a reality," says Renato Carrara, managing director, Operations of FedEx Express in Italy.

FedEx Express has been testing ten vehicles on delivery routes in Milan, Italy, for the past six months. The trial will continue until May 2010, FedEx says.

Last November, FedEx Express pledged to improve the fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet by 20% by 2020.