Peterbilt Motors Company has earned the 2010 Employer of the Year Silver Award by the North Texas Clean Air Coalition (NTCAC) for its innovative environmental initiatives in improving air quality in the greater North Texas area.
It was chosen as the Employer of the Year for voluntarily working to lower the environmental impact of its products and manufacturing processes. Peterbilt was recognized for multiple initiatives including reducing lift truck nitrogen oxide levels by 17%, reducing electrical consumption by 29% in its Denton truck plant and 38% at its headquarters, partnering with Denton Municipal Electric to purchase renewable energy, and maintaining their Zero Waste to Landfill designation status since 2008.
Peterbilt has sustained its Zero Waste to Landfill designation by diverting 100% of waste from landfills. This was accomplished through employee efforts, division recycling programs, participating in beneficial waste to fuel initiatives, and partnering with strategic suppliers.
In addition, Peterbilt was recognized for its continuous commitment to improving product design and technology by offering SmartWay-certified vehicles credited by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Peterbilt introduced the new Paccar MX engine, which uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) in combination with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to meet EPA 2010 diesel engine emissions regulations. A line of hybrid vehicle applications are also available including a fuel-efficient hydraulic system that captures up to 75% of a truck's kinetic energy usually lost during braking to assist in launching and accelerating the vehicle. In addition, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) systems are optional in Peterbilt vehicles. Peterbilt recently received an order for 180 LNG vehicles from Robert Transport.