Six vehicles covering the gamut of fuel options can help fleets improve fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Hino COE Hybrid

Available with diesel or diesel-electric hybrid powertrains, the Hino COE can be upfitted to fit specific business needs and features an available crew cab option.

Available with diesel or diesel-electric hybrid powertrains, the Hino COE can be upfitted to fit specific business needs and features an available crew cab option.

The all-new Hino COE models were designed specifically for the North American market. Available with diesel or diesel-electric hybrid powertrains, the 14,500-lb. GVW Class 4 and 19,500-lb. GVW Class 5 COE trucks both feature 210 hp and 440 lb.-ft. of torque from Hino’s 5.0L J05E Series engine, utilizing Aisin’s A465, 6-speed automatic transmission.

Both models also feature a 33-inch wide, 56,900 psi frame with a center-mounted rear fuel tank.

In addition to a diesel-electric hybrid option, both models meet or exceed EPA 2010 emissions regulations by utilizing an optimized SCR system. No credits required.

A Hino diesel or Hybrid COE can be upfitted to fit specific business needs, whether it’s for food & beverage distribution, general freight, landscaping, construction, or utility. With an available crew cab option, the Hino COE makes sense for a wide range of applications. Local Hino Truck dealers can right-size trucks to precisely fit the needs of your company. The company’s goal is to “keep business in motion, and in your business, nothing is more important.”

Mercedes-Benz s350 (Diesel)

The new Mercedes-Benz S350 introduces a 50-state clean diesel engine, and standard features include 4MATIC all-wheel-drive and numerous safety features.

The new Mercedes-Benz S350 introduces a 50-state clean diesel engine, and standard features include 4MATIC all-wheel-drive and numerous safety features.

On the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the first mass-produced, diesel passenger car, the 260D, the 2012 S350 4MATIC sedan combines the refinement of the S-Class with the clean and quiet-running 3.0L V-6 turbocharged BlueTEC engine. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers an array of driver amenities and fuel-efficient technologies. The new S350 introduces a 50-state clean diesel engine that provides torque and acceleration comparable to a V-8, with fuel economy that surpasses that of most V-6 engines, according to the manufacturer.

BlueTEC technology controls emissions by driving exhaust gases through filters to the catalytic converter, where they mix with a new water-based additive, AdBlue. The process converts nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water.

Standard features in the S350 include 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, COMAND with 40 GB hard drive, GPS navigation with voice control, Bluetooth interface, media interface, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Also standard are 16-way power heated and active ventilated front seats with pneumatic lumbar support and memory, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, Active Curve Illumination and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and PRE-SAFE Predictive Occupant Protection system. Other Mercedes-Benz vehicles utilizing BlueTEC clean-diesel technology include the E350 Sedan and the ML350 4MATIC and GL350 4MATIC SUVs.[PAGEBREAK]

Freightliner (Natural Gas)

Designed for vocational applications, the factory-built 140SD SAB natural gas truck will include the Cummins-Westport ISLG 8.9L natural gas engine.

Designed for vocational applications, the factory-built 140SD SAB natural gas truck will include the Cummins-Westport ISLG 8.9L natural gas engine.

Freightliner Trucks recently announced the expansion of its proven alternative fuel offering by introducing natural gas technology into its new 114 Severe Duty (SD) set-back axle (SBA) truck. Freightliner already offers the industry’s only turn-key conventional chassis natural gas solution in its Business Class M2 112 product line.  Production will begin on the natural gas 114SD SBA in December 2011.

Designed for vocational and municipal applications such as dump, sweeper and sewer vacs, the factory-built 114SD SBA natural gas truck will include the lightweight Cummins-Westport ISLG 8.9L, 320 hp natural gas engine, which is designed for enhanced fuel economy, performance, and dependability with near-zero emissions. The truck will also be equipped with the Allison 3000RDS transmission, which includes patented torque converter technology that results in improved startability at the launch of the vehicle, full-power shifts, and a better performing engine.

Buick Regal Turbo (Ethanol)

Capable of running on gasoline or E-85 ethanol, the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo features a 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine.

Capable of running on gasoline or E-85 ethanol, the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo features a 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine.

The 2011 Buick Regal Turbo is the first direct-injected turbocharged production car capable of running on any blend of gasoline or E-85 ethanol, joining more than 5 million flex-fuel models General Motors has produced over the last 15 years.

The turbocharged Ecotec 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine powers the Regal. Compared to earlier versions of the 2.0L Ecotec turbo, GM powertrain engineers have significantly upgraded the new engine to accommodate both E-85 and to incorporate refinements. The engine produces 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,000-5,500 rpm.

Other changes to the turbo engine for 2011 go well beyond the addition of flex-fuel capability. The 2.0L Ecotec turbo has a new precision sand cast aluminum cylinder block that provides better durability while transmitting less noise and vibration, according to the manufacturer.

The end result is a quieter and more refined power plant that helps the Regal achieve best-in-class levels of noise, vibration, and harshness and the ability to operate on current and next-generation renewable biofuels.[PAGEBREAK]

Ford F-150 (Gasoline)

Featuring four new truck engines, the 2011 Ford F-150 lineup provides up to a 20-percent fuel economy benefit versus the 2010-MY model.

Featuring four new truck engines, the 2011 Ford F-150 lineup provides up to a 20-percent fuel economy benefit versus the 2010-MY model.

The most extensive powertrain overhaul in the 62-year history of Ford F-Series highlights the 2011 Ford F-150.  The engine lineup includes four new truck engines; a 3.7L V-6, 5.0L, 6.2L V-8, and a twin turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost. Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving 6-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only automaker to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with fuel saving 6-speed automatic transmissions as standard equipment, according to the manufacturer.

The all-new powertrain lineup provides up to a 20-percent fuel economy benefit versus the 2010-MY F-150 along with maintaining best-in-class towing and horsepower. In addition, two of the engines are E-85/FFV capable; the 3.7L base engine and 5.0L midrange engine. From a sustainability standpoint, the increased fuel economy also provides a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG)/CO2 emissions. 

For example, the 3.7L base engine achieves an EPA-rated fuel economy of 17 mpg city/23 hwy, in comparison to the 2010-MY F-150 4.6L 2V engine rated at 14/19.  This increase in fuel economy results in an EPA “tons of CO2” reduction of 1.8 tons (from 11.6 to 9.8); when E-85 is used, this improvement becomes even great with a 4-ton reduction.

Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, safety canopy side curtain air bags, dual-stage front seat-mounted side air bags, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, SOS post-crash alert system, and four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS).

Chrysler 200 (Gasoline)

The 2011 Chrysler 200 is offered with a 2.4L World Gas Engine mated to a 6-speed transmission. Four different configurations are available in the U.S.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 is offered with a 2.4L World Gas Engine mated to a 6-speed transmission. Four different configurations are available in the U.S.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan. For the 2011 model-year, the vehicle was updated with exterior and sheet metal upgrades, including front and rear fascias and fenders, grille featuring new Chrysler brand winged badge, new hood, LED positioning light pipe in front headlamps, rear deck lid and exterior mirrors, new projector headlamps and fog lamps, new LED taillamps, and an LED center high-mounted stoplight.

The sedan is offered with a 2.4L World Gas Engine, which has been recalibrated and is now mated to a 6-speed transmission. The 2.4L I-4 engine produces 173 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.4L World Gas Engine can also be mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The 200 sedan’s standard safety features include: standard advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, active head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC), front seat side air bags, side curtain air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic traction control, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchor system, and available Uconnect voice command.

Four different U.S. configurations are available: the Chrysler 200 LX, 200 Touring, 200 Limited, and 200 S.

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