About two years ago, the Pharmaceuticals Division of Novartis, headquartered in East Hanover, N.J., began implementing alt-fuel vehicles into its fleet. Its goal: reduce harmful emissions and curb rising fuel costs.

Novartis associates drive more than 24,000 cars worldwide, collectively emitting about 200,000 tons of CO2 annually. The company recently decided to overhaul its global fleet, aiming for a 10-percent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2010.

Of the 8,000 vehicles in the U.S. pharmaceuticals division, 1,000 are E-85 Chevrolet Impalas driven by company sales reps, 555 are Toyota Prius Hybrids, 100 are Saturn VUE Hybrids, 42 are Ford Escape Hybrids, and 100 are VW Jetta diesels.

"We are planning on adding both the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Saturn Aura Green Line sedan for 2008," said Paul Tomaszeski, executive director of business support services at Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Green Vehicles Must Meet Sales Reps' Needs
Novartis continues to look for more fuel-efficient fleet vehicles that can meet the business requirements of company sales reps. Models such as the Saturn VUE Green Line have met that need, according to Tomaszeski.

"The VUE hybrids have been favorably received at the manager level," he said. "They are getting excellent gas mileage and, at the same time, our driver satisfaction has been very high in that vehicle."

The VUE replaced vans and small SUVs in the pharmaceutical division fleet, and vehicle mileage has gone from 18-19 mpg to 26-27 mpg. The Prius averages 42 mpg, while the Jetta diesel earns about 39 mpg.

The major challenge Novartis faces with its alt-fuel vehicles is finding E-85 fueling stations. While sales reps are aware their vehicle is E-85-compatible, drivers in the Midwest can take more advantage of the fuel since E-85 fueling stations are more plentiful in that region. Management 'Sells' Alt-Fuel Vehicles to Drivers
In encouraging sales reps to embrace these cars, the company emphasized the eco-friendly aspects: increased gas mileage and reduced environmental impact. With cars such as the Prius, the company reduced the personal usage fee by 50 percent.

According to Lillian Palmieri, manager, Novartis fleet operations, the vehicles actually sell themselves. To date, she has received outstanding feedback from drivers across the nation, including:

• "Having access to the HOV lane is a big winner in LA!"
  

• "I don’t have to fill [the gas tank] as often."
  

• "The seat is very comfortable, and the ride is very smooth."
  

• "Easy parking in my Brooklyn territory."
  Novartis plans to continue increasing the number of hybrids in its fleet. "We will also continue to emphasize better mpg vehicles," Tomaszeski said..