The Quest for Alt Fuel Knowledge Makes a Stop at ROUSH CleanTech

December 14, 2010

Knowledge is indeed power, especially when it comes to understanding alternative fuels!

As an impartial source of information to our customers in this area, we have to demonstrate mastery of all available options such as electric, CNG, LPG, biodiesel, or E-85. The more ARI’s consultants know about each type of alternative fuel available, the more we can educate our clients on which option will be a good fit for their fleet’s needs. That mantra puts our team on an endless quest for learning through data, research, and observation.

As part of the perpetual discovery process, I recently had the opportunity to travel to Livonia, Michigan, and take my first tour of ROUSH’s facilities – including the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas conversion shop. The ROUSH operation overall is first class, with a diverse business portfolio that expands beyond the automotive industry and into aviation, medical devices, defense, and other markets. This robust background makes them an excellent resource for suppliers and customers alike.

Although ARI has worked with ROUSH on industry panels, customer orders, and other joint projects in the past, seeing their conversion stations and the actual components in the flesh reminded me of how truly critical it is for our customers to purchase an OEM quality conversion kit when moving to any type of alternative fuel.

While touring the shop, I watched a conversion being performed on a Ford F-250. The ROUSH technicians took time to demonstrate how the kit occupies the OEM locations without need for serious modifications. Additionally, much of the conversion kit’s hardware is actually an improvement over the factory equipment, including the tank, tubing, brackets, etc.  For increased driving range, the pick-up trucks can accommodate an additional tank in the rear part of the bed.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief peek inside of ROUSH’s facilities! Propane autogas is a versatile, clean source of energy that can have a significant, positive impact on a fleet’s fuel spend. ROUSH conversions can be performed on F-150, F-250, F-350, E-150, E-250, E-350, and Ford F-350 and F-450 cutaways of certain years.

As a closing bonus, I snapped a photo of ROUSH’s REV – ROUSH Electric Vehicle while visiting the ROUSH Automotive Collection. Enjoy!

(Photos included with permission from ROUSH)