EPA Uses Webasto as Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle Heating Partner

One of the world's leading vehicular heating specialists to provide cab heating for high-efficiency hydraulic hybrid off-highway container tractor prototype used at ports

FENTON, Mich., Oct. 14 -- The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses Webasto as its partner to provide ultra-low emission cab heating for its Full Series Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle (HHV) Yard Hostler prototype.

Using innovative series hydraulic hybrid technology, the EPA and its industry partners have created the most efficient and cost-effective hybrid powertrain technology in the world which is fitted to this vehicle, used to move freight containers at ports. The EPA will introduce and exhibit the HHV Yard Hostler at the Word Maritime Day Parallel Event at Chelsea Piers in New York City on October 16, 17, and 18, 2009.

With HHV technology, the stop-and-go fuel efficiency of yard hostlers is improved by 50 to 60 percent and CO2 greenhouse gas emissions reduced by over 30 percent. The unique energy recovery technology used to stop the vehicle also reduces brake wear by 75 percent, increasing the net operating savings substantially. It is estimated that the use of each high-efficiency yard hostler could save a terminal operator over 1,000 gallons of fuel per year. When this technology is manufactured in high volume, it has the potential to recoup the hybridization costs from fuel and maintenance savings in three to five years. Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicles rely on proven innovative technology which has been successfully demonstrated in package delivery vehicles, shuttle buses, refuse trucks, light duty work trucks, and SUVs.

The Webasto technology - the Air Top 3500 - used in the HHV Yard Hostler is already in mass production and is the country's best-selling air heater line, offering environmentally friendly, idle-free heating of vehicle interiors and cargo spaces.

Idle reduction is a key design feature of HHV technology and, without Webasto's Air Top 3500 cabin air heater to provide low-emission, high-efficiency engine-off heat, that wouldn't be feasible in the cold operating conditions prevalent at ports throughout much of the year.

"Because of yard congestion, more than 40 percent of a yard hostler's working hours are spent inactive or waiting in line with the engine unproductively idling. The Air Top 3500 is a key enabler of the HHV's strategy to stop idling during waiting periods as it provides reliable, efficient heat to the cab whenever it is needed, including when the engine is shut off," said Michael Lee, General Manager, Special Products and Markets, Webasto Product North America (WPNA). "Our heater ensures that the operator remains comfortable even in cold weather."

The powerful, compact and quiet Air Top 3500 weighs only 13 lbs, produces up to 11,942 btu/hr and, at a full load, uses less than a pint of fuel each hour. WPNA is the North American subsidiary of the Global Comfort Solutions (GCS) Business Division of Munich, Germany-based Webasto AG, one of the world's largest suppliers of vehicular parking and auxiliary heating and ventilation. In 2008 Webasto produced over one million heating systems, which are widely fitted to cars, trucks, buses and defense and specialty equipment globally.

About Webasto:

Webasto AG headquartered in Stockdorf near Munich has been a family-run business ever since the company was founded in 1901. It has about 6,500 employees at 50 international locations and is specialized in the Convertible, Roof & Body (CRB) and Global Comfort Solutions (GCS) business segments. With sales of around 1.6 billion euros (2008 business year) Webasto is one of the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide. The company's core competencies include development and production of convertible, roof and body systems as well as heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. You will find further information at: www.webasto.us