Eaton Corporation introduces its first commercially available hybrid power system in China with Beiqi Foton Bus Company and Guangzhou Yiqi Bus

15 January 2008

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation formally introduced its first commercially-available hybrid power system in China with Beiqi Foton Bus Company, deploying the hybrid system in 30 city buses for Guangzhou Yiqi Bus last week.

Eaton is a leading provider of diesel-electric hybrid power systems in the United States for truck and bus applications and is also pioneering hydraulic hybrid power systems technologies for use in refuse trucks, delivery vehicles, buses and other applications.

Beiqi Foton Bus Company and Eaton delivered the 30 hybrid diesel-electric transit buses to Guangzhou Yiqi Bus on 11 January during a ceremony hosted by the US Department of Commerce as part of its clean energy trade mission to China and India.

The 30 buses will be deployed to carry passengers in the city, with an expected fuel savings of up to 27 per cent, along with similar reductions in particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

"We are pleased to provide Eaton's hybrid power system technology in working with Beiqi Foton to meet the needs of Guangzhou Yiqi Bus," said James W McGill, Eaton vice president, Asia / Pacific. "Innovative Eaton technologies such as our hybrid power systems are generating improved fuel economy and significant environmental benefits. We look forward to supplying more of these systems to serve the growing Chinese market."

Kevin Beaty, leader of the hybrid power business unit in Eaton's truck group, said delivery of the 30 hybrid powered buses is "a significant milestone for Eaton in placement of hybrid power in China. Vehicle makers, fleets and users in China are working hard to reduce pollution and greenhouse gases in their cities, and we are excited about being involved," Beaty said. "This is one of those opportunities where 'growth' and 'green' can succeed together."