Cox Is Changing Lanes with More Fuel Efficient Fleet

Cox Is Changing Lanes with More Fuel Efficient Fleet

Changes Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in New England Communities

WEST WARWICK, R.I., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications New England continues along the fast lane of its transition to a more environmentally- friendly fleet. The newest member of its fleet is the Hybrid Bucket Truck.

Cox's hybrid trucks from Navistar (NYSE:NAV) provide dramatic potential fuel savings of nearly 60 percent in utility-type applications when the engine is shut off and electric power still operates the vehicle. Diesel emissions are completely eliminated when the hybrid truck operates equipment such as overhead utility booms solely on the truck's battery power, instead of having the engine run. A 'boom' or 'bucket arm' extends on the trucks so wires on utility poles can be repaired or maintained.

The Hybrid Truck Users Forum (of which Cox is a member) estimates that 1,000-1,500 gallons of fuel can be saved per utility-type truck annually. It also results in annual greenhouse gas reductions of 11 to 16.5 tons per unit.

Cox is transitioning its fleet to lessen its impact on the environment by using flex-fuel vehicles and replacing existing vehicles with more fuel- efficient and/or hybrid models. Cox New England has added 13 hybrid Ford Escapes to its fleet since 2007, saving over 2,200 gallons of fuel and 31 tons of CO2 from being emitted into the environment.

The transition to a hybrid fleet underpins Cox Conserves, a corporate program that includes the company's six major subsidiaries, encouraging environmentally-conscious practices to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.

"These new vehicles are part of the larger solution to reducing our company's carbon footprint. They save fuel, run quieter, and significantly reduce emissions in our communities," said Paul Cronin, senior vice president and general manager for Cox Communications. "These clean, green vehicles are part of our company's comprehensive set of eco-friendly programs aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability," he added.

Navistar's International DuraStar Hybrid trucks from Navistar employ a parallel-type, diesel-electric hybrid architecture supplied by Eaton Corporation. It incorporates an electric motor/generator between the output of an automated clutch and input of the automated transmission. The system recovers energy normally lost during braking and stores the energy in batteries. The hybrid-electric system recovers energy during braking, and can add power back into the driveline during start and acceleration.

This capability makes the truck more efficient in standard driving, particularly in city and stop-and-go driving. When the truck reaches a work site, the hybrid system can power the hydraulic pump that operates the aerial device and electric tools for up to two hours without the engine running. It is the ability to shut the engine down at work sites that helps the truck cut fuel use so significantly.

About Cox Conserves

Cox Conserves is the company's national sustainability program designed to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint an additional 20% by 2017. Cox Enterprises has already reduced its carbon footprint by 10% from 2000-2007. In addition to making operational changes across the company, the program also encourages the company's 83,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with 6.2 million total residential and commercial customers. The third-largest cable television company in the United States, Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network. Cox Business is a full- service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. Cox Communications wholly owns and operates the Travel Channel. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com.

Source: Cox Communications

CONTACT: John Wolfe, +1-401-615, 1710, or Amy Quinn, +1-401-615-1185,
both of Cox Communications

Web site: http://www.cox.com/
http://www.coxbusiness.com/
http://www.coxmedia.com/

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