BAE Systems, ISUZU and ITOCHU Corp. will introduce fuel-efficient, low-emission hybrid buses to the streets of Japan. BAE Systems’ HybriDrive^® propulsion system will be demonstrated and tested on 30-foot ISUZU ERGA buses in 2009.

At the American Public Transportation Association’s Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego, BAE Systems announced that ISUZU will install the HybriDrive system on two buses, evaluating their performance at ISUZU’s proving grounds and in passenger service. Initial testing earlier this year on an ERGA bus showed a more than 30 percent improvement in fuel economy in typical urban driving conditions.

“ISUZU is pleased with the performance of BAE Systems’ hybrid technology, and we are convinced that it offers tremendous potential for our future in the hybrid bus market,” said Ryouzou Tsukioka, ISUZU director and senior executive officer. “BAE Systems-powered buses have great acceleration and power capability while providing a smooth and quiet ride.”

The demonstration program “brings together two innovative companies dedicated to providing the best possible solution to the transit industry,” said Sean Bond, president of BAE Systems’ Platform Solutions unit. “We will work with ISUZU to further expand our reach in the growing hybrid electric propulsion market.”

ITOCHU, a Japanese trading company and longtime partner with ISUZU, is working to help bring hybrid technology to the Japanese heavy-duty vehicle market.

HybriDrive technology significantly reduces emissions and increases fuel economy while meeting the durability requirements of demanding urban transit operations. The system consists of a generator, an electric motor, and an energy storage system managed by computerized controls. A diesel engine that turns the generator operates independent of the electric drive motor, running at nearly consistent speed for optimum efficiency. The system also eliminates the mechanical transmission, a major maintenance item on traditional diesel buses.

BAE Systems’ HybriDrive system powers more than 1,500 buses that transport more than a million passengers daily in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Toronto. To date, these buses have accumulated more than 70 million miles, saved nearly 5 million gallons of diesel fuel, and prevented more than 50,000 tons of carbon emissions.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

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