On average, participating companies have reduced emissions by 14% and operating costs by 4% SPARKS, Md., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleets utilizing PHH GreenFleet(SM) have achieved significant reductions in their emissions while reducing lifecycle operating costs. This innovative program, developed by PHH Arval and Environmental Defense, helps fleet managers measure and reduce emissions by selecting more efficient vehicles, upgrading vehicle maintenance programs and providing green driving training to employees. With climate change now a leading global concern, many fleet managers are helping their companies identify opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is good for the environment and good for business. PHH GreenFleet is North America's first comprehensive greenhouse gas management program for fleet vehicles, and fleets of all sizes are benefiting from their participation. To date, more than 60,000 vehicles managed by PHH Arval have utilized the program's tools. Fleets that have fully implemented the program have reduced their emissions on average by 14% and lifecycle operating costs by 4%. Among the success stories are: -- Abbott [NYSE: ABT]: The first company to partner with PHH Arval on PHH GreenFleet, Abbott has furthered its commitment to the environment by announcing that it will make its entire U.S. fleet "carbon neutral" in 2008. The company is now offering hybrid vehicles to its sales force and encouraging drivers to choose more environmentally friendly vehicles by offering upgrade incentives such as satellite radios and sunroofs. Abbott also made drivers aware of the environmental impacts of their choices. As a result, nearly 20% of drivers chose more fuel-efficient vehicles, decreasing projected per vehicle operating costs. -- Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation [Nasdaq: IPCC]: Infinity reduced annual fleet operating costs by 10%, improved fuel economy by 25% and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 16% by replacing its fleet of approximately 400 sport utility vehicles with the more fuel efficient Jeep Compass. In addition, Infinity purchased greenhouse gas offsets for the remaining emissions and made its entire fleet "climate neutral." -- The Co-operators Group Ltd: The Co-operators set a fuel economy standard for all of its fleet vehicles without limiting the options available to their teams. Even with the new fuel economy standard, company car drivers continue to have a choice of several vehicles, including a new hybrid option. Executives can select any vehicle below a specified capital cost -- as long as it meets the fuel economy standard. After rolling out PHH GreenFleet to its entire fleet, The Co-Operators expect to improve fuel economy by over 20% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, without increasing fleet costs. "Environmental performance is an important metric for our clients today. PHH is proud of our record as the leader on the environmental management of fleets," said George Kilroy, PHH Arval President and Chief Executive Officer. "What is most rewarding is our ability to help our clients meet their environmental goals while reducing their fleet costs." "The many successes of PHH GreenFleet demonstrate that managing fleet greenhouse gas emissions makes good business sense, too," said Environmental Defense Project Manager Tom Murray. "We encourage all fleet managers to follow this cost-effective and systematic approach to continuously measure and reduce fleet emissions and operating costs." About Environmental Defense A leading national nonprofit organization, Environmental Defense represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit http://www.environmentaldefense.org/. About PHH Arval PHH Arval, a subsidiary of PHH Corporation [NYSE: PHH], is a leading fleet management services provider in the United States and Canada. PHH Arval provides outsourced fleet management solutions to corporate clients, including nearly one-third of the Fortune 500 companies. Through consultative expertise, flexible customer service, and award-winning Internet technology, PHH Arval helps clients reduce costs and increase productivity. For more information, visit http://www.phharval.com/, or call 800 ONLY PHH. DATASOURCE: PHH Arval CONTACT: Pilar Page, PHH Arval, +1-410-771-2733, ; or Julie Huddleston, Environmental Defense, +1-202-572-3369, Web site: http://www.phharval.com/ http://www.phh.com/ http://www.environmentaldefense.org/

Copyright