Continues to build upon its commitment to a more sustainable industry

Shanghai, 7 September 2010 – TNT, the leading global international express company, today unveiled the industry’s first pure electric vehicle fleet in China. The introduction of the electric delivery vehicles further bolsters the company’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions in the express industry.
Produced by Dongfeng Motor, one of China’s leading automobile manufacturers, TNT’s electric vehicle fleet – initially comprised of five vehicles – is locally designed, manufactured and assembled. After a successful three-month trial operation, the electric delivery fleet is now fully operational in Shanghai.
Designed to meet the distinct operational requirements of the express industry, these zero-emissions vehicles are powered by lithium batteries and feature high-tech monitoring systems that record power consumption data during operation, allowing for continuous optimization for delivery routes.
“TNT is committed to sustainable development of our industry across the globe. I am very proud that TNT is taking actions to lead the introduction of zero-emissions delivery vehicles in China,” said Peter Bakker, CEO of TNT Group. “With China being one of our most important markets, today’s electric delivery vehicle launch is a meaningful step towards our commitment of a sustainable future.”
TNT’s global objective is to improve its CO2 efficiency by 45% by 2020. “As a company vision, TNT aims to contribute to a low carbon emissions express industry through our daily operations,” added Peter Bakker.
“Dongfeng is one of the earliest auto companies to invest in R&D for new energy vehicles in China. We have also been a strong industry advocate for the development of electric vehicles in promoting low carbon transport,” said Xu Ping, President of Dong Feng Motor. “New energy vehicles are the future– and is central to our core strategy to foster a more sustainable transportation industry. Dongfeng is strongly committed to leading the sector in promoting the widescale adoption of new energy vehicles. Therefore we are truly honored to be here today, with TNT, united in our vision for a low carbon future.”
TNT’s electric delivery vehicles have received the E-MARK certification, which are classified as “pure electric” and “zero emission.” The vehicles require only two-and-a-half hours to be fully charged – less than an hour for fast charge, short journey mode – and can travel more than 120 kilometers on a full charge.
The pure electric vehicles are part of a comprehensive design program undertaken by Dong Feng Motor Group, which combined domestic R&D institutions and academic resources, to ensure each vehicle met with stringent local and international emissions standards. The result is a highly efficient, lightweight – yet safe – and economical vehicle that performs on par with traditional delivery vehicles.
The joint project has received strong endorsement from the Shanghai government. The Shanghai New Energy Vehicles Propelling Leading Group Office expressed its support for the first commercial operation of TNT’s electric vehicle fleet, promoting new energy vehicle development and application in public service sector in Shanghai.
In conjunction with the electric delivery fleet launch, TNT also organized a “Responsible Transport” forum at the Dutch Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo. This forum provided a platform for participants to discuss the challenges of rising CO2 emissions and issues around road safety, share experiences and successful cases to reach industry and government goals. Supported by both the Shanghai government and the Dutch Ministry of Transport, the forum attracted nearly 100 participants and noted industry experts, academics and environmental advocates.
“We are delighted to see both the government and the local community joining together to promote a greener and safer transport industry in China, fostering an environment of sharing best-practices across industry sectors for both markets,” added Bakker.