Coca-Cola unveils Olympic Torch Relay sustainability plan and expands hybrids

The Coca-Cola system in Canada will expand its fleet of hybrid-electric delivery trucks across Canada and released details on its sustainability plans for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

The Company will expand Canada’s largest fleet of heavy-duty hybrid diesel-electric delivery vehicles. An additional 15 hybrid single-axle tractors will be added to the existing hybrid fleet of 20 side-bay trucks and 2 straight trucks.

“The expansion of our hybrid truck fleet across North America is a critical component of our commitment to reduce our overall carbon footprint by 15 percent by the year 2020,” said John Brock, chairman and CEO, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.

In July, the Company announced its commitment to achieve its overall corporate responsibility and sustainability goals by the year 2020. Called Commitment 2020, goals include a reduction of their overall carbon footprint by 15 percent. Other Commitment 2020 goals include having a water-neutral impact on local communities and recovering the equivalent of 100 percent of its packaging.

The hybrid delivery trucks use an estimated 30 percent less fuel and produce approximately 30 percent fewer emissions than standard tractors. These first-of-their kind vehicles will first be deployed across five cities – Vancouver, London, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

As Presenting Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola hopes to inspire people to take positive action in their communities by demonstrating its commitment to active living and sustainability. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola announced its Olympic Games Sustainability Plan. One pillar of the plan is the first carbon neutral Olympic Games activation. This commitment includes carbon neutral activation of the Olympic Torch.