UNION CITY, IN—A classic truck is getting an infusion of 21st Century technology in Union City, Ind., where regular production of hybrid electric chassis for walk-in trucks has begun. The new hybrid chassis is a cooperative venture that includes chassis manufacturer Workhorse Custom Chassis, component integrator Productive Concepts, Inc. (PCI), and Azure Dynamics Corporation, a developer and producer of hybrid electric systems.

Workhorse recently introduced a new W42 commercial chassis with a number of improved features. With PCI now integrating the hybrid-electric components into the W42, Workhorse is the only chassis manufacturer to offer commercial gas, diesel, and hybrid electric chassis for this market.

Production has just begun at the Workhorse and PCI plants in Union City, with an initial run of 19 hybrid electric chassis. Forty more hybrid chassis are expected to be produced by the end of the year. The hybrid electric engine option represents a new power train choice for many walk-in truck customers who are faced with rising fuel and maintenance costs.