Chevy scores Verizon hybrid pickup order

June 4, 2010
According to GM Fleet & Commercial Operation (GMFCO), as part of an initiative to green its fleet, Verizon has purchased 576 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrids-- the world’s only two-mode hybrid pickup. The Silverado’s two-mode hybrid system, GMFCO noted, “blends an internal combustion engine with battery-powered electric motors to offer customers the advanced technology needed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.”

According to GM Fleet & Commercial Operation (GMFCO), as part of an initiative to green its fleet, Verizon has purchased 576 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrids-- the world’s only two-mode hybrid pickup. The Silverado’s two-mode hybrid system, GMFCO noted, “blends an internal combustion engine with battery-powered electric motors to offer customers the advanced technology needed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.”

“When Verizon first approached us about environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles for their urban drivers, we knew the Silverado Hybrid was the perfect fit because of its outstanding city and highway MPG ratings,” said Brian Small, gm of GMFCO. “Immediately the team went to work to meet Verizon’s ambitious July delivery deadline.”

The 2010 Silverado Hybrid is a full-size V8-powered truck that delivers up to a 40% improvement in city fuel economy, stated GMFCO. “By applying GM's unique two-mode hybrid technology, the Silverado Hybrid provides fuel efficiency with an EPA estimated 21 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, the best fuel economy of any full-size pickup. At 21 MPG city, it delivers the city fuel economy of a four-cylinder sedan.”

What’s more, according to GMFCO, the two-mode system maintains the truck’s dependability, performance and utility, while significantly improving fuel efficiency— enabling the Silverado to “launch”and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone. That allows its Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical “V-4 mode” for longer periods.

“A major part of our sustainability strategy is to make smart use of lower-carbon alternatives to power our fleet and the operation of our high-IQ broadband networks,” said James Gowen, chief sustainability officer for Verizon. “By adding 1,600 alternative energy vehicles to our fleet this year we’re conserving fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in communities across the country.”

Reflecting their commitment to doing business with diverse suppliers, Verizon placed the order for the 576 hybrid pickups, with Fairway Motors, a woman-owned Chevrolet dealership in Hazelton, Penn.

The pickups, to be deployed in urban areas in various Verizon markets, are powered by the standard Vortec 6.0L V8 engine delivering 332 hp and 367 lb.-ft of torque and have a towing capacity of 6,100 lbs. (2WD) or 5,900 lbs. (4x4). The trucks come with an 8-year/100,000 mile limited warranty on the hybrid components and a 5-year/100,000 transferable powertrain limited warranty.

To further capitalize on the Silverado Hybrid’s fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, Verizon worked with BrandFX Body Company and GM to develop a lightweight fiberglass insert for the trucks’ beds. The composite insert, the lightest weatherproof container on the market, noted GMFCO, will house Verizon’s service equipment, such as ladders, wiring, connectors and television set boxes.

For more information on the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and to see the full lineup of GM Fleet and Commercial vehicles, go to http://www.gmfleet.com/.

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