Fifth Largest U.S. Beverage Distributor Signs Full-Service Lease for Hybrids

 

BELLEVUE, Wash., August 27, 2008 – With fuel prices at record levels, and carbon footprints and social responsibility taking on new meaning, progressive companies are moving to hybrid technology.

“The future is now when it comes to reducing fuel and being a good corporate citizen,” said Rich Marchant, vice president of operations for Crescent Crown Distributing. “We’re entering the age of hybrid technology with PacLease and Peterbilt vehicles – it’s our first step. We expect to save up to 35 percent in our fuel bill with these trucks. And, down the road, that can make quite an impact as we typically buy more than 310,000 gallons per year for our delivery trucks.”

Crescent Crown Distributing is the fifth largest beverage distributor in the United States. The New Orleans-based distributor delivers 26 million cases of Miller and Coors products, along with Heineken, Crown Imports and smaller labels. With the order of three Peterbilt Model 335, Class 7 tractors, it has begun the move toward fuel- and emission-saving technology. Two of the Model 335s will be based in Crescent’s Phoenix distribution center, serviced by Rush Truck Leasing, the local PacLease franchise, while the third unit will be based in New Orleans.

Marchant said Crescent Crown Distributing is a leading edge company and not afraid to step forward and utilize new technology. “We have a high comfort level with PacLease and Peterbilt in leasing these new hybrids,” he added. “We look at the hybrids as a way to be good corporate stewards in the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions while doing our part for the environment.”

The hybrid diesel-electric Model 335 can help fleets reduce their carbon footprint through the significant reduction of vehicle tailpipe emissions of hydrocarbon by as much as 60 percent, carbon monoxide by about 50 percent, and nitrogen oxide by more than 40 percent. The hybrid truck uses an electric motor that works with the mechanical diesel engine to supply supplemental torque. The system stores energy during stopping through regenerative braking and then uses it for acceleration.

According to Marchant, the Peterbilt hybrids are projected to offer a positive ROI for the company over the course of the lease with PacLease. “Obviously the cost of a hybrid is more than a standard truck, but the payback is there when you consider the cost of fuel and the government tax credits. The key is putting the trucks to work in the right application where they can optimize their fuel-saving capability. We’ve identified stop-and-go routes where they’re ideally suited.”

The move toward hybrid technology was also softened thanks to service support through PacLease. “They know these trucks and the technology and are equipped to make sure everything is running properly,” said Marchant. “Plus, they have safeguards in place with substitute vehicles should we need them. PacLease takes the worry out of moving toward the hybrids and we feel confident our level of service to our customers will continue to be outstanding with on-time deliveries.”

With delivery of the hybrids expected in September, Marchant said drivers are already vying to get behind the wheel. “It’s not just management who’s excited to get these trucks,” said Marchant. “Drivers are as well. They know the quality, comfort and ride of Peterbilt trucks. They’re excited.”

PacLease provides customized full-service leasing programs and truck rentals for customers in a wide variety of industries. To learn more about PacLease programs contact a local PacLease location or visit www.paclease.com.


About PacLease and PACCAR

PACCAR Leasing Company (PacLease) is one of the fastest-growing, most innovative commercial truck leasing companies in the transportation industry. PacLease has independent and company-owned full-service leasing locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Germany. PacLease provides customized full-service lease, rental and contract maintenance programs designed to meet the specific needs of customers. A combination of reliable, custom-built trucks and complete service offerings allows customers to maximize the value of their transportation resources.

PACCAR Leasing is a part of the financial services group of PACCAR Inc, a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, symbol PCAR, and its homepage can be found at www.paccar.com.

About Crescent Crown Distributing

New Orleans-based Crescent Crown Distributing is the distributor for Miller Brewing Co., Coors Brewing Co., Heineken USA, Crown Imports, Pabst Brewing Co. and several other beverage companies. Crescent Crown sells and delivers more than 26 million cases annually throughout Arizona and Louisiana. For more information, visit www.ccdaz.com or www.crescentcrown.com.

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