Oct. 16, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

CLEVELAND, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH), the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced initial commercial commitment for its new series hydraulic hybrid system, which is designed to completely replace the traditional drive train on delivery vehicles and has yielded significantly increased fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. The commitment came as part of a grant under the United States Department of Energy's Clean Cities program and was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) spearheaded the submittal of these winning applications which will support the purchase of 638 hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Parker is the only supplier of the hydraulic hybrid systems for the vehicles. The systems will be purchased by DTNA subsidiary, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and incorporated into delivery vehicle models intended for use by United Parcel Service (UPS).

"This is a significant development in the advancement of this new hydraulic hybrid system, one of several technology platforms on which we are currently working," said Don Washkewicz, Chairman, CEO and President of Parker. "The commercial application of our technology is recognition that our system has demonstrated several unique advantages over electric hybrids including significantly better fuel efficiency. Importantly, with products from Parker divisions across geographies, this system is a shining example of our ability to leverage our existing technologies to build complete systems and address some of the most pressing and current engineering challenges of our time, such as the need to decrease energy consumption and reduce our environmental impact."

Field testing of the system during the past year has indicated that the hydraulic system is capable of generating as much as a 50 to 70 percent increase in miles per gallon in stop-and-go applications when compared with traditional diesel powered vehicles that have automatic transmissions. Prior to field testing, the system was validated for fuel efficiency by the United States Environmental Protection Agency at its National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The series hydraulic hybrid system is unique in that the engine is not connected to the rear wheels of the vehicle.