SimplexGrinnell Orders 200 Ford Fusion Hybrids To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

SimplexGrinnell, a Tyco International company and a provider of fire and life safety systems and services, has ordered 200 Ford Fusion Hybrids as part of the company's effort to replace 25% of its sales fleet with hybrid vehicles.

According to SimplexGrinnell, majority of its 7,000-vehicle fleet is comprised of large commercial trucks and vans. However, the fleet also includes 2,000 cars, which are used by the company's sales and leadership staff.

According to Janice Buxton, senior manager of fleet services for SimplexGrinnell, the Fusion Hybrids will be used primarily in major metropolitan areas where employees do city driving of less than 2,500 miles per month. In order to achieve full efficiency, the company will start placing the hybrids in fairly neutral climates, but will look to expand use in more demanding areas.

The company said that the 200 Fusion Hybrids support a Tyco company-wide environmental program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste and water consumption by 25% over the next five years. The program, known as 'Vital World,' includes a series of steps the company is taking around the world to reduce its impact on the environment and to help customers reduce theirs.

In addition to Fusion Hybrid, SimplexGrinnell also purchased 200 units of Ford Focus, 50 of Taurus, 28 Fusion gas models and a handful of Edge vehicles.

Jim Spicer, president of SimplexGrinnell, said: The Fusion Hybrids will provide us with much greater fuel savings and CO2 reductions compared to the conventional gas vehicles they are replacing. They also are a perfect fit for our staff.

Our company is strongly committed to the environment and to reducing our carbon footprint. By participating in the Green Driver Challenge, we can engage our drivers to do their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and add the incentive of tracking in real time the positive effect their commitment has on the environment.