Public Transportation Fleet Saves Big with Versatile Clean Fuel Technology
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – February 21, 2012 – Buncombe County fleet Mountain Mobility has saved thousands in fuel costs since converting 10 passenger vans to clean-burning propane autogas through the Alliance AutoGas complete program. Now they’re saving even more with the versatile Prins VSI autogas systems: when Mountain Mobility recently retired two Ford E-350 autogas passenger vans, Alliance seamlessly transferred the autogas systems to newer models.
“When we first considered switching to clean fuel, we were particularly impressed by the transferability of the autogas conversion system used by Alliance,” said Lori Hembree, general manager of Mountain Mobility. “Our community passenger vans see a lot of wear-and-tear and rack up a lot of mileage, so investing in a technology that would quickly become obsolete was just not an option. Alliance made the re-conversion process quick and simple, and had our new autogas vehicles back on the road in no time.”
The Prins Vapor Sequential Injection (VSI) system from Alliance AutoGas co-founding partner American Alternative Fuel is EPA-certified for a range of vehicle platforms. The bi-fuel vapor system is especially cost effective for fleets because it can be transferred from one vehicle to another, unlike many propane-dedicated liquid systems on the market today. When a fleet vehicle is retired, the autogas conversion system is transferrable to any vehicle with the same number of engine cylinders. The retired vehicle can then be re-sold in its original configuration.
“The process of transferring two of our autogas vehicle systems was smooth, easy and efficient,” says Mountain Mobility Operations Manager Bob Somerville. “There was no problem removing the systems and installing them on new vehicles, and they were back up and running so fast, we didn’t skip a beat in terms of service to the community. Our drivers really prefer the propane vehicles, in large part because of the convenient on-site fueling station provided by Alliance.”
Mountain Mobility turned to Alliance AutoGas for the autogas vehicle conversions, on-site fuel station installation, staff training, technical support, and fueling from Alliance co-founding partner Blossman Gas.
“Alliance AutoGas has tested virtually every autogas technology available globally, and the Prins VSI system is the most versatile, high quality system for light- and medium-duty fleets,” says Alliance AutoGas president Stuart Weidie. “Alliance is committed to bringing the best autogas technology to more American fleets. And more fleets adopting autogas means cleaner air for our communities.”
Propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline, and reducing harmful pollutants was a priority for Mountain Mobility. Their drivers have been pleased with the power of the autogas vehicles, reporting greater acceleration when merging onto the interstate and climbing hills. And because 90 percent of the U.S. autogas supply is made in America, autogas fleets like Mountain Mobility are also doing their part to help enhance national energy security.
About Alliance AutoGas
Alliance AutoGas enables fleet managers nationwide to use clean, economical, American-made autogas through vehicle conversions, on-site fueling and ongoing safety training and technical support. Public and private fleets are saving thousands on fuel costs and helping to ensure clean air for future generations through the Alliance AutoGas complete program. The Alliance partner network of U.S. propane marketers and conversion centers is experiencing tremendous growth, currently spanning 34 states. Learn more at: www.allianceautogas.com. For general questions, contact David Finder, National Energy Programs Manager, dmfinder@allianceautogas.com or (828) 251-0027.
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