XL Hybrids, Inc., developer of a low-cost hybrid electric powertrain designed for class 1 to 3 commercial fleet vehicles, announced today that it has an agreement with The Knapheide Manufacturing Company, a commercial vehicle equipment provider in North America, for the installation and distribution of its products. In light of the partnership, the two companies will display a hybrid Chevrolet Express cargo van upfitted with XL Hybrids’ hybrid powertrain technology at Knapheide’s booth at the 2014 GM Fleet and Commercial Product Preview held at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. from May 13 to 17.
Designed for seamless integration with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) powertrain, XL Hybrids’ technology will be installed by Knapheide through its existing ship-through process, thus providing a one-stop purchase, upfit, delivery and invoice experience for commercial fleets. The companies’ partnership will launch nationwide delivery with the new 2014 model year Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans starting August 1, 2013, and is also available for installation on bailment pool vehicles or as a retrofit for 2010 to 2013 GM cargo vans.
“We are excited to offer our fleet customers a work-ready hybrid electric vehicle upfitted with XL Hybrids’ fuel efficient hybrid powertrain technology because XL Hybrids’ product has been designed specifically for commercial fleets and the product offers a fast payback,” said Chris Weiss, vice president of engineering for Knapheide. “We look forward to working with XL Hybrids to market and deploy the hybrid product to our fleet customers looking for vehicle lifecycle cost-reduction from fuel and maintenance savings.”
Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids co-founder and vice president of supply chain, said, “The GM Fleet and Commercial Product Preview show is an opportunity to showcase our hybrid powertrain and the new ship-through relationship between XL Hybrids and Knapheide, a highly respected and deeply experienced partner. XL Hybrids has already successfully deployed our hybrid technology in the field with some of the largest fleets in North America, and we look forward to additional success with Knapheide.”
