Interested in a case study of how FedEx got to where they are with hybrids?
Maybe I should have worded that title a bit differently. Case studies in and of themselves might not make for the most interesting piece of reading, but this one might be an exception. That is, if you are interested in hybrid vehicles and the collaborations of very large American corporations. I am sure you are interested in hybrids, at least.
I feel compelled to add that I have always had very good service from FedEx. If you order computer parts from Newegg, which I have (more times than I should admit to), then you have probably experienced how quickly the shipment has come. That proves to me that when I order something from somebody else, and it ships through FedEx but takes weeks to get to me, it is not FedEx that is taking their dear sweat time! Another thing - ever see Cast Away? That guy really took his job at FedEx seriously.
Yeah, anyway, check out the case study (warning: .pdf file). The goal, as you will see if you read through it, was to create a replacement for the "W700" delivery vehicle. They were looking for something that got better fuel mileage (by 50 percent) and "dramatically reduced emissions". This was all done after FedEx had tested some alternative vehicles in the 1990s and came away seemingly unimpressed. But after some meetings with Environmental Defense and their auto suppliers, they realized that they should give it another shot. I'll stop there so I don't ruin the ending for you, 'cause I'm cool like that.
Related:
[Source: Stanford via Hybrid Car & Vehicle News via Hugg]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
PeakVT 7:50PM (5/23/2007)
That report is a bit of a yawner, but it does give a bit of insight into the nature of big organizations like Fed-Ex - they are basically risk-adverse. Eaton should be given kudos for pushing itself hard and winning the contract after starting out behind.
If Ford and GM would push themselves they might have a chance, too.
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Mike@HCVN 11:13PM (5/23/2007)
The report is about as business like as it gets (yes, that's being kind), but it illustrates the nuts and bolts for getting new technology adopted in a corporation and how hippy tree huggers can work with companies to save money and the environment.
Mike
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