Propane Autogas Buses Emit Cleaner Air Across America

MICHIGAN (June 7, 2011) — ROUSH CleanTech and National Bus Sales have partnered to offer public and private bus fleets an alternative to diesel and gasoline-fueled vehicles. A new paratransit bus fueled by propane autogas will be unveiled to public transportation professionals at the Community Transportation Association Expo, today through June 10 in Indianapolis, at booth No. 133 on the show floor.
With the help of Elkhart Coach, a division of Forest River, Inc., the first of these propane autogas specialty buses will hit the road this summer in Texas as part of the Capital Area Rural Transit (TX-CARTS) fleet to transport ambulatory and wheelchair passengers. An order for an additional eight shuttle buses is expected within the next 90 days.
TX-CARTS, a proponent of propane autogas technology, currently has 20 conventionally fueled buses in their fleet. This new bus design that they will add to their fleet will feature the frame of a Ford E-450 cutaway with the shuttle bus body added by Elkhart, which will include seating for 20 passengers and two wheelchairs, and the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system.
National Bus Sales will then take on the marketing and placement of the propane autogas buses nationwide, expecting to sell hundreds during the next year.
“This new venture has the potential to revolutionize the way governments, municipalities, and the public view the paratransit industry,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “No longer does the traditional image of dirty exhaust and compromised air quality from buses have to be the norm.”
Propane autogas, the world’s third-most widely used fuel, burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel. With thousands of propane autogas stations across the U.S., a nationwide fueling infrastructure is already in place.
“National Bus Sales has been searching for a high-quality propane autogas solution, and we are thrilled to be partnering with ROUSH CleanTech to bring dedicated liquid propane autogas technology to America's public and private bus fleets,” said John Walsh, president of National Bus Sales and Leasing, Inc. “In this time of high gas prices and the need for sustainability, this unequivocal product is guaranteed to lower harmful carbon emissions and operating costs.”
“Gas prices are currently strangling the life out of businesses offering any type of transportation service. Propane autogas offers relief,” said Todd Mouw, ROUSH CleanTech’s vice president of sales and marketing and a featured speaker at the Expo’s “Today and Tomorrow: Alternative Fuel Buses” workshop. “Now is the time to switch to clean, economical, domestically produced propane autogas.”
About ROUSH CleanTech: Based in Plymouth Township, Mich., ROUSH CleanTech offers dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium-duty Ford vehicles, including the F-150, F-250, F-350 pickup truck series; the F-450 and F-550 chassis cab truck series; the E-150, E-250, and E-350 van and wagon series; and the E-350 and E-450 cutaway van series. Currently offered through authorized Ford dealerships around the country, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics and serviceability with a 5-year / 60,000-mile limited warranty. Customers can reduce operating costs significantly while reducing vehicle emissions. Complete details on ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas offerings can be found online at www.ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800-59-ROUSH.
About National Bus Sales and Leasing, Inc.: National Bus Sales & Leasing, Inc. was established in 1974 with a mission to distribute and service specialized transportation equipment primarily in Atlanta, Georgia. The corporate office of the company is now located in a state-of-the-art facility in Marietta, Georgia. National has four other regional offices in Texas, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Virginia. National employs more than 100 dedicated sales, technicians, and support staff to accommodate customer needs, from large fleet purchases to small businesses. For additional information visit www.nationalbussales.com or call 800-282-7981.

Airclic Advances Food Perform® to Further Control Costs, Increase Time to Revenue and Improve Customer Satisfaction in the Food Distribution Industry

Trevose, PA (PRWEB) May 31, 2011 -- Airclic, a global provider of software that improves the performance of mobile supply chain management and logistics operations, today announced it has enhanced Food Perform®, its SaaS-based mobile software product for food distribution, to further improve data accuracy, time to revenue and advancement of customer service in this industry.

“The food and beverage distribution industry is struggling with the demanding needs of the rapidly evolving market – with decreased price margins and limited inventory shelf life,” said Mike Lee, CEO of Airclic. “As a result, industry-leading organizations are leveraging our mobile software to advance the productivity and efficiencies in their operations. The key to our customers’ ability to advance their competitive edge is our commitment to continually evolving Food Perform with enhanced features and functionality to optimize their business performance.”
Food Perform is a SaaS-based mobile software product that delivers accurate and timely insight into delivery operations to shrink costs, reduce lost and late deliveries, accelerate time to revenue and improve customer satisfaction and retention.
With this upgrade, food and beverage distributors that leverage Food Perform will now be able to:

•     Customize the services a driver may add en-route, reducing errors, and insuring conformance to business processes
•     Require servicing of all items on manifest before completing stop
•     Capture GS1 barcodes for vital traceability information such as item or lot numbers
•     Provide additional safeguards around the modification of catch weights to insure accuracy and reduce errors

Airclic will be offering demonstrations of the newly upgraded Food Perform product at booth 225 at the U Connect LIVE conference, taking place from May 31 to June 3, 2011 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. To schedule a meeting with an Airclic team member for more information, please contact tellis(at)airclic(dot)com or call 952-237-2018.
About Airclic Airclic provides software products that improve the performance of mobile supply chain management and logistics operations. The company’s scalable, reliable and device independent Software as a Service (SaaS) products drive efficiencies and productivity to measurably reduce costs and increase service. As a market leader, Airclic’s customer portfolio includes more than 300 global enterprises that are realizing improvements in their business operations. For more information, please visit http://www.airclic.com or call 866-707-2542.
Airclic is a registered trademark of Airclic, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are property of their respective holder

DONLEN NAMES STRATEGIC CONSULTING AND SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR

Northbrook, IL - Donlen, North America’s fastest growing fleet leasing and management company, has named Amy Blaine as its new Director of Strategic Consulting and Sustainability.

“Donlen is at the forefront of innovations that address key trends for optimal fleet efficiency. In-depth fleet analysis and sustainability initiatives will be instrumental in helping companies meet operational and stakeholder demands,” said Jim Kachidurian, Donlen’s Senior Vice President of Client Relations. “Amy’s expertise in merging sustainability metrics and information technology with ongoing consultation is a perfect fit for our clients who are looking to achieve improvement in both areas. We are thrilled to have Amy spearheadingthese programs.”

Blaine brings to Donlen 20 years of experience building and managing complex consulting projects, most recently for ComEd, where she redesigned the greenhouse gas reporting process to track emissions including the fleet, building energy, and emergency power generation areas. Blaine and the team of Strategic Consultants will work closely with Donlen’s clients to examine historical, behavioral, and fiscal trends that impact each major lifecycle cost, and recommend solutions to achieve operational efficiency.

“Donlen really understands how utilizing technology and data in their Strategic Consulting process can help our clients reduce both fleet costs and environmental impacts,” said Blaine. “I look forward to being an integral part of Donlen’s Strategic Consulting team.”

Blaine holds an M.S. in environmental management and sustainability from IIT, an M.S. in statistics from Ohio State University, and a B.A. in statistics from theUniversity of Michigan.

For more information about Donlen’s sustainability initiatives or Strategic Consulting process, please contact Amy Blaine at ablaine@donlen.com or visit our website at www.donlen.com.

About Donlen Corporation

Donlen, with headquarters in Northbrook, IL, offices nationwide, and strategic global partnerships, is a leading provider of innovative fleet management programs. Since 1965, Donlen has offered its clients highly personalized and responsive customer service. Donlen has been recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago Business “20 Best Places to Work in Chicago” each year from 2009-2011, a Leader on “The Global Outsourcing 100®” list by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) each year from 2006-2011, a National Association for Business Resources “101 Best and Brightest Places to Work For in Chicago” each year from 2007-2010, and a Stevie Award Finalist as “Most Innovative Company” and “Best Use of Technology in Customer Service” in 2010. For more information about Donlen visitwww.donlen.com.

ROUSH CleanTech Commends Michigan Senator Stabenow’s Support for Propane GAS Act of 2011

MICHIGAN (June 3, 2011) —ROUSH CleanTech commends Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for her leadership role as original cosponsor of the Propane Green Autogas Solutions Act (“Propane GAS Act”) of 2011 (S. 1120), which was introduced last week in the United States Senate. If passed, this legislation would yield both environmental and economic benefits to Michigan residents, including more ‘green’ vehicle deployment and a surge in job creation centered on propane autogas technology.
Nearly 90 percent of ROUSH CleanTech’s supply chain is Michigan based. The company is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of businesses that are both Michigan-based or that have operations in Michigan, including Ford Motor Company, Frito-Lay, ThyssenKrupp Elevator, and Wright & Filippis, by offering the most extensive line-up of clean-burning propane autogas fleet vehicles that meet the most stringent environmental standards.
“Senator Stabenow’s support for propane autogas is not only going to help Michigan go ‘green,’ it will help Michigan residents earn ‘green’ as well,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “For every 100 propane autogas vehicles produced at ROUSH CleanTech, we estimate that there is one new job created directly at ROUSH or within our supply chain.”
An extension of the 2005 Energy and 2005 Highway Bills, which both helped establish significant tax incentives for propane autogas use, the Propane GAS Act details a 50-cent per gallon incentive for propane sold for use in motor vehicles, a tax credit for purchasing vehicles fueled by propane autogas, and an incentive equaling 30 percent of the cost for fueling infrastructure, not to exceed $30,000 per station. If passed, this legislation will promote the use of propane autogas in commercial fleets by extending these provisions through 2016.
“There’s an expectation growing within our nation’s largest fleets to take responsibility for your environmental impact,” said Thompson. “Fleets across the country are turning to propane autogas as the zero compromise alternative fuel solution to help them ‘green’ their portfolio while easing the burden of sky-high fuel prices. Because propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline and diesel, fleet managers see reduced maintenance costs and longer engine lives.” National fleets like CenturyLink, SuperShuttle, Time Warner Cable, Ferrellgas, and Heritage Propane have already adopted ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas vehicles into their fleets.
Nearly 97 percent of propane autogas used in the U.S. is produced in North America. Light- and medium-duty vehicles fueled by propane autogas emit fewer greenhouse gases and smog-producing hydrocarbons than their gasoline or diesel counterparts. Therefore passage of the Propane GAS Act would be a large stride toward reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil, and will contribute to reducing the environmental impact of our nation’s fleets.
“Michigan is the largest propane consuming state in the nation,” said Senator Stabenow, a member of the Senate Finance Committee and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “At a time when so many families are struggling with high gas prices and other economic challenges, we must do everything we can to expand alternative vehicle choices. This legislation helps promote propane vehicles as one of those options.”
Today, more than 270,000 vehicles in the United States operate on propane autogas. “We’re eager to put more propane autogas vehicles on the roads,” Thompson said. “As the national demand for propane autogas technology continues to grow, so follows the job market here in Michigan. We commend Senator Stabenow for helping make this happen through her support of the Propane GAS Act.”
About ROUSH CleanTech: Based in Michigan, ROUSH CleanTech offers dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium- duty Ford vehicles, including the F-150, F-250, F-350 pickup truck series; the F-450 and F-550 chassis cab truck series; the E-150, E-250, and E-350 van and wagon series; and the E-350 and E-450 cutaway van series. Currently offered through authorized Ford dealerships around the country, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics and serviceability with a 5-year / 60,000-mile limited warranty. Customers can reduce operating costs significantly while reducing vehicle emissions. Complete details on ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas offerings can be found online at www.ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800-59-ROUSH.

Grand Opening of Environmentally-Friendly MHC Kenworth – Oklahoma City Draws 500

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., June 2, 2011 – MHC Kenworth – Oklahoma City recently celebrated its opening as MHC Kenworth’s newest and most environmentally-friendly dealership among its 41 Kenworth locations with a grand opening that drew more than 500 people.

The grand opening featured a trade fair with 18 vendors and a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by MHC Kenworth executives Tim Murphy, Mike Murphy, Ken Hoffman, Dave Douglas, Mike Bozzoli and Jeff Johnson. Representing Kenworth Truck Company were Bill Kozek, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president; and Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager of marketing and sales. Andy Douglas, Kenworth national sales manager for specialty markets, made a special presentation on compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas-powered Kenworth trucks and provided an update on efforts in Congress to pass national legislation encouraging the use of alternative fuel vehicles.

“We’re pleased so many of our customers joined us in celebrating the opening of our new facility,” said Tim Murphy, MHC Kenworth president. “We were proud to show them the green technology that will reduce our carbon footprint. For more than two decades, we’ve had a strong presence in the Oklahoma City area.”

A member of Kenworth’s dealer network of 305 locations in the United States and Canada, the multi-million dollar MHC Kenworth – Oklahoma City features energy-saving green technology in a nearly 100,000 square-foot facility located on 15 acres adjacent to U.S. Interstate 40. The new location offers a service shop with 26 service bays and a body shop with 18 bays. The parts department features nearly 4,400 square feet of parts display space and 31,000 square feet devoted to a parts warehouse to help keep its service department and customers well-supplied with parts when needed.

“To meet our long-standing mission of providing best-in-class service, we needed to significantly expand our dealership in Oklahoma City,” Murphy said. “This new facility offers nearly triple the amount of space for sales, parts and service that we had at our previous location. With this new facility, we will continue the excellent service we’ve been providing Oklahoma over the past two decades.”

MHC Kenworth vice president Dave Douglas said the new facility represents the company’s dedication to finding ways to advance greater environmental stewardship while reducing the company’s operating costs. The building uses a state-of-the-art geothermal system that keeps the ambient air temperature more consistent, reducing the amount of fuel and electricity needed to heat and cool the building. The building also features a heating system that burns recycled engine oil, motion-controlled lights that turn off and on in response to available natural light and translucent hollow-core overhead doors in the body and service departments allowing natural light to illuminate those areas without affecting air temperature.

Besides its environmentally-friendly features, MHC Kenworth – Oklahoma City was designed with a service department that maximizes functionality and productivity by making the work area more efficient for service technicians, Douglas said. The parts department is located in close proximity to the service department so shop technicians can more easily access the parts they need, particularly high-usage parts. “For our customers, that means their trucks spend less time in our shop and more time out on the road, making money,” he added.

The new dealership is part of Kenworth’s constant commitment for superior service coverage as exemplified by Kenworth and its dealer network receiving the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Medium Duty Truck Dealer Service”.*

The dealership offers Kenworth PremierCare® parts and service programs and a PACCAR Leasing (PacLease) franchise that offers full-service leases, finance leases, rental trucks and contract maintenance.

MHC Kenworth – Oklahoma City is conveniently located at 7200 West I-40 Service Road, one mile west of its previous location, with easy access off of U.S. Interstate 40, a major east and west truck route through the Midwest. Because of its proximity to I-40, it is open 24 hours, seven days a week. The phone number is 888-823-3768 (toll free), or 405-717-4500. Key personnel include Jack Constant, branch manager; John Burns, service manager; Shane Obannon, parts manager; Joel Heat, body shop manager; and Brad Brooks, used truck sales manager.

MHC Kenworth – Oklahoma City is part of MHC Kenworth, which operates 41 Kenworth dealerships in 10 states. Earlier this year, MHC Kenworth Colorado was named 2010 Kenworth Dealer of the Year for theUnited States and Canada.

“Our ability to make a significant investment in this new location is a tribute to the work of our employees,” Murphy said. “It’s our employees, who continue to maintain a strong reputation of service among our customers by offering them stellar service, who made this possible.”

Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best® heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is an industry leader in providing fuel-saving technology solutions that help increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The company’s dedication to the green fleet includes aerodynamic trucks, compressed and liquefied natural gas trucks, and medium duty diesel-electric hybrids. Kenworth is the only truck manufacturer to receive the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Excellence award in recognition of its environmentally friendly products. In addition, the fuel-efficient Kenworth T700 equipped with the low-emission PACCAR MX engine was named the 2011 Commercial Heavy Duty Truck of the Year by the American Truck Dealers. Kenworth is also the recipient of the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates award for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Medium Duty Truck Dealer Service. Kenworth’s Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. A PACCAR Company.

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*Kenworth received the highest numerical score for medium-duty truck dealer service in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Medium Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study^SM. Study based on responses from 1,258 respondents measuring 8 manufacturers. Survey was of primary maintainers and owner operators and measures overall service quality of new (2009 model year) medium-duty (Class 5, 6, and 7) trucks (2009 model year).  Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in June-August 2010. Your experiences may vary.  Visit jdpower.com