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*Montevideo Refrescos (Monresa), a Coca-Cola subsidiary in Uruguay, is operating a fleet of 30 electric mini-vans in a pilot programme with Californian “alternative transportation company” ZAP (Zero Air Pollution). *

The three-wheeled ZAP Xebra vans are being used to make beverage deliveries in the crowded and often narrow streets in the heart of Montevideo, capital of Uruguay.

Regular delivery trucks are not easily manoeuvred and are environmentally unfriendly in the traffic-jammed inner city – as well as being expensive to operate. The nimble Xebras, however, are quiet and pollution-free, and can weave their way into places other commercial vehicles cannot reach.

The Montevideo mini-vans are fitted with a new, super-efficient motor, which uses about 80% less energy than its predecessor. If this pilot programme is successful, Coke says it may introduce the electric vans in other major cities around the word where pollution and traffic congestion are a problem.

“We want to create an alternative way for goods and services to be transported in urban areas,” said Fernando Cancela, Director of International Affairs for ZAP. Urban deliveries are becoming more and more challenging with traffic congestion and parking shortages.

“These ZAP Xebras will help Coca-Cola create a new distribution system that will be better for our cities as well as for their bottom line.”

Monresa Distribution Manager Jorge Apesetche said the project with ZAP was in line with Coke’s commitment to the environment: “Our commitment is not just good corporate responsibility, it’s good business,” he added.

“The bottom line is that our business depends on the health and sustainability of our planet and the natural resources that we all share. ZAP Xebras will help improve our distribution operations, save money, time and the environment.”