Ford vans keep autogas movement on the march

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Heritage Propane has added a ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas Ford E-Series passenger van to its fleet, to show corporate decision-makers why they should invest in America for the betterment of America.

The company, a division of Energy Transfer Partners of Dallas and one of the largest propane distributors in the U.S. with more than 1.1 million customers, is fast becoming an ambassador for the virtues of propane autogas as an alternative to standard gasoline. Autogas is embraced by NASCAR and many companies now in part because it is almost 100% produced in America. Its increased use reduces dependence on foreign fuels.

This passenger van is one of five new ROUSH CleanTech vehicles that run on propane autogas that Heritage Propane plans to loan to potential fleet customers. These customers, Heritage Propane hopes, will be interested in learning for themselves about the benefits of converting their fleets to this fuel.

“ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas vehicles are the right solution for our fleet customers,” said Paul Grady, president of Heritage Propane. “We’re looking forward to having these vehicles at our disposal to let fleet customers see just how seamless the end-user operation really is.”

In addition to reduced maintenance costs and an extended engine life due to its clean-burning properties, propane autogas also offers up to a 40 percent reduction in fuel costs compared to gasoline. Propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, up to 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions and fewer particulate emissions, according to a ROUSH statement.

“The partnership between ROUSH CleanTech and Heritage Propane demonstrates the validity of propane autogas as an alternative automotive fuel choice that is available right here, right now,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “This program enables both ROUSH CleanTech and Heritage Propane to show fleet managers that propane usage can go outside of the home and onto the roads while maintaining uncompromised performance and exceptional reliability.”

“Fleet managers are looking for positive economics and emissions reductions in their fleet purchases. Propane autogas vehicles offer both, with easy and convenient refueling, too," added Jim Hamilton, senior vice president of sales and operations at Heritage Propane.

The announcement was made last week at the ROUSH Automotive Collection’s Open House and Cruise-In, where thousands of people looked on and heard the message.

You can reach TorqueNews.com's Hawke Fracassa at hawkefracassa@aol.com.

Image source: Wikipedia

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