NBU NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2006
Contact: Gretchen Reuwer, NBU Communications Manager, (830) 629-8486

NBU adds hybrid vehicle to fleet

NEW BRAUNFELS—NBU has become the first government agency in Comal County to add a hybrid vehicle to its fleet. Last month’s addition of the Ford Escape Hybrid is expected to provide significant savings in fuel costs as well as benefit the environment.

“The NBU Board of Trustees approved the addition of the vehicle as a way to promote energy conservation and environmental stewardship,” NBU CEO Paula DiFonzo says. “The addition of the hybrid will help us learn more about how this type of vehicle can meet our requirements while providing a cleaner fuel source and improved fuel mileage.”

A hybrid vehicle uses multiple propulsion systems to provide motive power. This most commonly refers to gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, which use gasoline or diesel to power internal-combustion engines, and electric batteries to power electric motors. The new NBU vehicle is averaging 27.5 miles per gallon, which is almost double the fuel economy that the replaced unit was achieving. This has already equated to about $132 a month in fuel savings.