ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--XL Hybrids, Inc., developer of a low-cost hybrid electric powertrain designed for class 1 to 3 commercial fleet vehicles, announced today that it has an agreement with The Knapheide Manufacturing Company, a commercial vehicle equipment provider in North America, for the installation and distribution of its products. In light of the partnership, the two companies will display a hybrid Chevrolet Express cargo van upfitted with XL Hybrids’ hybrid powertrain technology at Knapheide’s booth at the 2014 GM Fleet and Commercial Product Preview held at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. from May 13 to 17.
Designed for seamless integration with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) powertrain, XL Hybrids’ technology will be installed by Knapheide through its existing ship-through process, thus providing a one-stop purchase, upfit, delivery and invoice experience for commercial fleets. The companies’ partnership will launch nationwide delivery with the new 2014 model year Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans starting August 1, 2013, and is also available for installation on bailment pool vehicles or as a retrofit for 2010 to 2013 GM cargo vans.
“We are excited to offer our fleet customers a work-ready hybrid electric vehicle upfitted with XL Hybrids’ fuel efficient hybrid powertrain technology because XL Hybrids’ product has been designed specifically for commercial fleets and the product offers a fast payback,” said Chris Weiss, vice president of engineering for Knapheide. “We look forward to working with XL Hybrids to market and deploy the hybrid product to our fleet customers looking for vehicle lifecycle cost-reduction from fuel and maintenance savings.”
Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids co-founder and vice president of supply chain, said, “The GM Fleet and Commercial Product Preview show is an opportunity to showcase our hybrid powertrain and the new ship-through relationship between XL Hybrids and Knapheide, a highly respected and deeply experienced partner. XL Hybrids has already successfully deployed our hybrid technology in the field with some of the largest fleets in North America, and we look forward to additional success with Knapheide.”
For more information on XL Hybrids technology and availability, visit www.xlhybrids.com or email info [at] xlhybrids.com.
About XL Hybrids
XL Hybrids designs, manufactures and installs hybrid electric powertrains for commercial vans and trucks. The company’s patent-pending hybrid electric powertrain can be installed on existing vehicles as a retrofit or as an upfit on new ones. By storing energy wasted in braking and reapplying it during acceleration, XL Hybrids technology decreases fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 21.2 percent on urban routes, while operating with the same durability and reliability as traditional vans and trucks. XL Hybrids was founded by MIT alumni and is based in Boston. For more information, visit www.xlhybrids.com.
About The Knapheide Manufacturing Company
Since 1848 Knapheide has provided its customers with high quality, work ready transportation solutions. The Knapheide family has owned and operated the company since its inception over 160 years ago. Today, The Knapheide Manufacturing Company is the nation’s leading manufacturer and provider of commercial vehicle solutions. Knapheide’s main manufacturing facility, Westphalia, is located in Quincy, Illinois and is over 480,000 square feet. Westphalia is highly automated and has the most technologically advanced equipment and processes in the industry. Products manufactured by Knapheide include: Service Bodies, KUV Bodies, Platform Bodies, Gooseneck Bodies, Dump Bodies, Forestry Bodies, Pick Up Accessories, Van Equipment, Mechanics Trucks, Water Trucks, and Fuel/Lube Trucks. Knapheide’s vast distribution system includes 200+ distributors strategically located throughout North America. The ability to evolve into new technology, processes, and products has made Knapheide the leader in the industry and allowed the company to move into new markets to better serve our distributors, fleet customers and end users. For more information on The Knapheide Manufacturing Company, please visit www.knapheide.com.
