Eurocopter Deutschland and its leading transport provider SDV Geis, the German subsidiary of the SDV Group, pursue their commitment to the environment and announce their first hybrid shuttle in Germany. 'The implementation of this SDV Geis Hybrid shuttle truck is a very important step forward for us but it will certainly be not the last one to help us achieve our goal to drive a more eco-friendly supply chain. However, it does, along with other joint actions with SDV Geis on this issue, create awareness that logistics flows, despite their needs, can also participate to create a better living environment,' says Pierre LUTZ, Senior Manager Global Logistics for German sites at Eurocopter Deutschland.

"Feel the Change" the slogan displayed on the vehicle reflects the commitment of both companies, which has been undertaken since the last Paris Air Show with the signing of the charter Save Program, the SDV's environmental customer solution. The first challenge of this joint commitment is the voluntary reduction of CO2 emissions linked to helicopter transport, the flows of industrial and raw materials and spare parts shipments.

The Save Program began by assessing the carbon footprint and giving a comprehensive diagnosis of the logistical system. The next step identified options of how they might reduce CO2 emissions integrating the customer's requirements of quality, cost and lead time. Among the considered options was the optimization of flow management and logistics networks, primarily through consolidation of flows. The selection of high-performance carriers and alternative modes of transport have also been studying. In so doing, our operational teams have positively influenced the supply chain, using a continuous improvement approach. In addition, a hybrid truck was deployed, given that road infrastructure was the only available means.

Alongside reducing its carbon footprint, Eurocopter Deutschland offsets CO2 emissions linked to transport by contributing to the Barbosa Project, a program that uses biomass valorization to preserve Brazil's native forest. VER credits so generated have been certified by the VCS* certification and the Social Carbon** label, and are subject to an annual independent audit.

The Atego BlueTec' Hybrid manufactured by Mercedes-Benz has been selected to meet the goals of autonomy and loading capacity. The shuttle, between the Eurocopter Deutschland's plant, located in Donauworth, and the hub airport of Munich, carries all export-import flows managed by SDV Geis, driving nearly 60,000 km per year.

Enhanced by start & stop technology and eco-driving training, the expected benefit is a reduction of about 15 per cent of CO2 emissions in this pre/post carriage section, compared to a conventional vehicle. The electric motor operates primarily on departure and arrival, where the picking up and delivery journey is performed daily. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint, the quality of the sound environment is greatly improved for the comfort of thousands of employees based on the two areas. Finally, this technological solution is also a means to raise public awareness about environmental issues through the implementation of concrete and visible actions.

Promoting technological innovation in favor of the environment, advancing energy mix, one of the great challenges of the future, and raising awareness on climate issues, are some of the key arguments behind this initiative.