By Greentech Lead America: XL Hybrids, a developer of a
low-cost hybrid electric powertrain designed specifically for class 1-3
commercial fleet use, has partnered with Henley Transmission Services, the
largest franchise holder of AAMCO automotive service centers, to certify AAMCO
technicians to install and service hybrid electric conversions.
Partnership will allow Henley Transmission Services to
offer and service hybrid electric powertrain technology in AAMCO facilities in
New England. As per the agreement XL Hybrids will provide training for AAMCO
technicians. The training program will begin in the summer of 2012, and hybrid
conversions will be available at each of the Henley AAMCO facilities.
“Our agreement with AAMCO’s largest franchisee helps
XL Hybrids scale the business. AAMCO is a perfect partner for XL Hybrids
because it employs technicians who believe in the highest quality of
technology, provide outstanding service to fleet and retail customers, and
recognize the need for more fuel-efficient technology to save customers
money,” said Tod Hynes, co-founder and president at XL Hybrids.
The partnership between XL Hybrids and Henley
Transmission Services will bring XL Hybrid’s hybrid electric
powertrain technology all over the U.S. market. The hybrid technology
is available for the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cargo and passenger vans,
and XL Hybrids is expanding its product lineup to include other makes and
models of popular fleet vehicles, including Chevrolet and Ford vans and pickup
trucks.
The XL Hybrids hybrid
powertrain is designed for aftermarket installation. The system can be
installed in commercial vehicles without modifying or removing the original
equipment manufacturers (OEM) engine or transmission. AAMCO service centers
will also be trained to provide any necessary warranty service and maintenance
on the hybrid vehicles.
“XL Hybrids’ electric powertrain technology allows
Henley Transmissions to continue to offer premium solutions for the evolving
needs of commercial fleet and retail customers. As the largest AAMCO
franchisee, we have the resources to offer this advanced technology and training
to a large consumer base,” said John Cutter, president of Henley
Transmissions.
XL Hybrids’ hybrid electric powertrain is a low-cost,
low-risk aftermarket conversion of conventional internal combustion commercial
vehicles. The technology improves a vehicle’s U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) city fuel economy by 25 percent, providing a three-year payback in
heavy use fleet applications, or immediate savings when combined with vehicle
financing.