Aramex on Sunday announced that it has introduced four hybrid cars to its ground fleet, becoming the first logistics company to use hybrid vehicles in the Middle East.

The move is part of Aramex’s bid to help reduce its carbon foot print across the region, demonstrating the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability as it takes a step toward its ambitious goal of becoming the industry’s first carbon neutral provider, said a company official.

Aramex chief sustainability Officer Raji Hattar said: “Preserving our environment is part of Aramex’s long term commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). By proactively identifying and investing in eco-friendly business practices such as the use of hybrid vehicles, we are helping build a truly sustainable business model.”

At a critical time when high oil prices are putting a strain on the industry, the use of hybrid vehicles not only helps protect the environment, but also provides a cost effective solution to soaring fuel costs, Hattar noted.

Using pioneering technology, the environmentally-friendly hybrid vehicles operate on two engines designed to minimize fuel consumption, while reducing the harmful emission of carbon dioxide.

Running on an electric motor and switching to fuel based on the load of the engine, it is estimated that hybrid cars reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions by 50 percent.

In-line with the company’s drive to reduce its impact on the environment, Aramex has switched the majority of its fleet to unleaded fuel and is now looking at ways in which it can make its entire fleet environmentally-friendly.

As part of a comprehensive strategy outlined in its annual Corporate Sustainability Report (CSR), Aramex has set aggressive environmental targets, including the reduction of carbon emissions per shipment by 50 per cent before 2009.-TradeArabia News Service