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Local Roche Sales Agent Part Of Experiment On Hybrid Cars September 2004A Signal Mountain sales represenative for the Roche pharmaceutical firm is among 20 agents selected to take part in a hybrid vehicle experimental progam.Roche officials said, "We are announcing plans to drive full speed toward efforts to improve the environment. As part of the companys commitment to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent over the next five years, Roche is integrating Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrid vehicles into its pharmaceutical sales fleet. This initiative is also an ongoing attempt to continually improve business practices. "Initially, Roches pilot program will introduce the cars to 20 sales representatives including Ellen Thomison of Signal Mountain. These vehicles are expected to emit up to 97 percent fewer hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen than vehicles which currently meet todays nationwide Tier I standards. In addition these vehicles will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a known greenhouse gas." I am proud to work for a company that is committed to people not only in the development of pharmaceutical products but also in its efforts to find innovative solutions for improving the environment, said Ms. Thomison. Roches hybrid car pilot study is part of its long-standing endeavor to help preserve the planet and reduce toxins. The majority of scientists studying the effects of automobile emissions believe that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases are contributing to global warming, which could result in problems including more severe weather events like tornadoes, droughts and winter storms, more forest fires and damage to water resources, it was stated. The Prius is listed as one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market due to its aerodynamic shape and Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. The 2004 Prius has an EPA-estimated combined city/highway average of 55 miles per gallon of gas and a tank size of about 12 gallons. The Escape hybrid is expected to provide 35 to 40 miles per gallon in the city on a 16.5-gallon tank. The hybrid car initiative demonstrates Roche's commitment to corporate social responsibility, said John Mizroch, President and CEO, World Environment Center. This is the kind of leadership activity that many corporations in America should consider. Roche has been active in instituting environmentally friendly programs for years, including using recycled products and recycling appropriate materials. In addition, the company sponsors sustainability and energy awareness days to encourage all employees to be environmentally responsible. In these times, Roche has a responsibility to society to make sure that natural resources will be available to our children until other alternatives become available. Roche Corporate Environmental & Safety Affairs (CESA) has recently joined forces with the EPA Climate Leaders Program. Climate Leaders is a voluntary industry-government partnership that encourages companies to develop long-term comprehensive climate change strategies and set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals. About Roche Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche), based in Nutley, N.J., is the U.S. prescription drug unit of the Roche Group, a leading research-based health care enterprise that ranks among the world's leaders in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche discovers, develops, manufactures and markets numerous important prescription drugs that enhance peoples health, well-being and quality of life. Among the companys areas of therapeutic interest are: dermatology; genitourinary disease; infectious diseases, including influenza; inflammation, including arthritis and osteoporosis; metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes; neurology; oncology; transplantation; vascular diseases; and virology, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. SOURCE: The Chattanoogan | ||
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