DaimlerChrysler, EPA and UPS Collaboration is Real-World Application of Fuel Cell Delivery Vehicle in North America

F-Cell vehicle used for daily UPS express package delivery

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 27 -- DaimlerChrysler continues its leadership in the development of viable fuel cell vehicles with the first fuel cell vehicle used in a real-world business application in North America. The program is a collaborative effort between DaimlerChrysler, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and UPS.

"This fuel cell program demonstrates how DaimlerChrysler, along with UPS and the EPA, is delivering on a challenge from President Bush for industries to create viable alternative fuel transportation solutions," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advanced Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "We're proud to be the only automaker in North America to use a vehicle in a real business situation on a daily basis."

UPS is using a DaimlerChrysler F-Cell fuel cell vehicle on an established daily express-delivery route in Southeast Michigan. The F-cell is based on a Mercedes-Benz A-Class and powered by a Ballard fuel cell. It was delivered to UPS in February 2004.

Driver Charmaine Farrell, an eight-year UPS employee, was tagged to run the Ann Arbor-area route. "I'm not a scientist or an engineer, which shows just how far fuel cell technology is advancing," said Farrell. "It's been a great experience, and I love telling my customers that their package was delivered with zero emissions."

The program is based in Ann Arbor, Mich. The vehicle is fuelled at a hydrogen refueling station at the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory.

This program enables the EPA, DaimlerChrysler and UPS to gain considerable operational experience with a fuel cell fleet vehicle and hydrogen refueling station. Already, DaimlerChrysler, UPS and the EPA have gathered substantial data in fuel economy, cold-weather operation and driving performance from the first vehicle's short time in operation.

Nearly seven million freight trucks on U.S. roads account for roughly twenty percent of the nation's total transportation fuel use. Energy use by freight trucks is forecast to grow exponentially over the next two decades. Alternative fuel solutions, including hydrogen-powered vehicles, will help address environmental and energy source concerns.

About UPS

UPS is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. With a fleet of 88,000 package cars, vans, tractors and motorcycles, UPS concentrates its transportation efforts in a variety of categories that include safety, technology and the environment.

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