VANCOUVER, Sept. 30 /CNW/ -- The Coca-Cola system in Canada today announced that it will expand its fleet of hybrid-electric delivery trucks across Canada as part of its ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability. It also released details on its sustainability plans for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

"We are proud to be expanding Canada's largest fleet of heavy-duty hybrid diesel-electric delivery vehicles. We will be adding 15 hybrid single axle tractors to our existing hybrid fleet of 20 side-bay trucks and 2 straight trucks," said Kevin Warren, President, Coca-Cola Bottling Company. "This is one of several ways we are investing to reduce energy consumption in our fleet, facilities and vending equipment."

"The expansion of our hybrid truck fleet across North America is a critical component of our commitment to reduce our overall carbon footprint by 15 percent by the year 2020," said John Brock, Chairman and CEO, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. In July, the company announced its commitment to achieve its overall Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability goals by the year 2020, what they are calling Commitment 2020. Other Commitment 2020 goals include having a water-neutral impact on local communities and recovering the equivalent of 100 percent of its packaging.

"Today's announcements demonstrate how hosting an Olympic Games can bring additional investments for Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada," said the Hon. Mary McNeil, B.C.'s Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC. "Coca-Cola's hybrid fleet expansion and Olympic sustainability plans are excellent examples of one company's ongoing commitment to sustainable economies and communities."

The trucks use about 30 percent less fuel and produce about 30 percent fewer emissions than standard tractors. Over the next month, these first-of-their kind vehicles will be deployed across five cities - Vancouver, London, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. They also have the added distinction of having been made in Canada - in Sainte-Therese, Quebec by the Kenworth division of Paccar.

The technology in these hybrid delivery vehicles will help support Coca-Cola's sustainability efforts around the Olympic Torch Relay (OTR).

As Presenting Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola hopes to inspire people to take positive action in their communities by demonstrating its commitment to active living and sustainability. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola announced its Olympic Games Sustainability Plan. One pillar of the plan is the first carbon neutral Olympic Games activation.