ORION TOWNSHIP, MICH (April 20, 2009) – The streets of southeast Michigan have just become a little greener, thanks to Navistar’s recent delivery of 15 International® DuraStar® Hybrid beverage tractors to area beverage distributor Powers Distributing Co. Powers Distributing, a Michigan-based, family-owned company, purchased the trucks through Tri-County International Trucks Inc., Navistar’s franchise dealership for southeast Michigan. It is the largest order to date of International’s new hybrid beverage tractor by a beer distributor.

With the DuraStar Hybrid beverage tractor, Powers will build on its commitment to environmental leadership. The distributor will slash its diesel use on 15 routes by more than 25 percent, or approximately 12,500 gallons per year. In addition to the recent International DuraStar Hybrid purchase, Powers Distributing already has a fleet of nearly 50 trucks that were switched to biodiesel in 2008. Those older biodiesel trucks take another 10,000 gallons of diesel off the roads annually.

“Upgrading our fleet with the International DuraStar Hybrid is part of Powers’ commitment to using renewable resources and leaving Michigan cleaner, healthier and stronger for future generations,” said Powers’ President Gerald Powers. “By using more homegrown U.S.-made fuels and less imported diesel, we can help break our nation’s dangerous dependence on fossil fuels. Powers and the hard-working employees at our family company are proud to do what we can to strengthen our nation’s energy security, from recycling and conservation to clean-burning biofuels. These International DuraStar Hybrid tractors represent the future and we encourage other businesses to join us in investing in new American technology that can reduce dangerous greenhouse gases and protect our land, air and Great Lakes.”

In addition to reducing fuel use by up to 40 percent, the International DuraStar Hybrid also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the International DuraStar Hybrid emits up to 33 percent fewer hydrocarbon emissions and 35 percent fewer nitrogen oxide emissions compared with standard diesel trucks.

“Navistar, in collaboration with Eaton Corporation, was the first to deliver assembly line production of hybrid technology to the truck industry,” said Steve Sexton, sales manager for Tri-County International Trucks, Inc. “We’re pleased to congratulate Powers Distributing on being the largest purchaser among beer distributors nationally of the hybrid product. We think Powers is setting an excellent example for the beverage industry and other businesses in our region by making this significant investment in environmentally-friendly technology.”

The International DuraStar Hybrid features an integrated hybrid power-train solution jointly developed by Navistar and Eaton Corporation. The trucks employ a hybrid technology that includes a 60-horsepower electric motor and 460-volt batteries, supplementing a MaxxForce® DT 244-horsepower engine that runs on a biodiesel mix of up to 20 percent. The hybrid-electric system recovers energy during braking and can add power back into the driveline during starts and acceleration.

Established in 1939, Powers Distributing was one of the first Miller Brewing products distributors in Michigan. Today, Powers delivers more than 100 quality Michigan and international beverage products to more than 2,600 retailers and customers in Oakland and Macomb counties. Powers also employs more than 210 people, making it one of Oakland County’s leading job providers.

“Our trucks cover 700,000 miles a year, delivering more than 5 million cases of a wide range of beverages to our valued retail customers in southeast Michigan,” Powers said. “As we deliver choice to our customers and create local jobs in our community, thanks to the International DuraStar Hybrid, we look forward to operating more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. Powers is grateful that we can continue giving back to and making a positive impact in a community that has supported us for 70 years.”

For decades, Navistar has demonstrated its commitment to clean technologies that benefit the environment and its customers. Navistar was the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to release the smokeless diesel engine and was the first engine manufacturer to gain EPA certification for meeting 2007 particulate and hydrocarbon emissions standards – six years ahead of schedule.

For its ongoing leadership, Navistar was honored with the 2007 Blue Sky Award from WestStart-CALSTART for its contributions to the commercial development of diesel-hybrid technology. This preeminent award is presented each year by WestStart-CALSTART, the nation's leading advanced transportation technology industry organization working to support and accelerate the growth of companies developing clean and energy-efficient transportation technologies. 

About Tri-County International Trucks, Inc.
Tri-County International Trucks, Inc. is the franchise holder for the Navistar International line of trucks in Southeast Michigan and has been proudly serving the trucking industry for over 50 years. Tri-County International Trucks offers a complete line of services including new and used truck sales, full-service leasing, commercial truck rental, and parts and service for all makes of trucks through its six branch locations in Dearborn, Flint, Warren, Jackson, Ypsilanti and Livonia. Additional information about Tri-County and its services can be found at www.tricotruck.com.

About Powers Distributing Company
Powers Distributing Company of Orion Twp in MI was established in 1939 and was one of the first distributors of Miller Brewing products. In addition to standards such as Miller, Coors, Corona, Samuel Adams, Heineken and Guinness, Powers Distributing now offers roughly one hundred regional and internationally known beverage products. The company works closely with its bar, restaurant and retail clients to ensure they have a full supply of a wide range of products to satisfy the diverse tastes of their customer base. See www.powersdistributing.com for more information.