SEATTLE, Nov. 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seattle is known for progressive thinking when it comes to adopting environmentally friendly practices and cutting-edge clean technology, and its vehicle fleets are no different. Fleets in the Puget Sound area such as Sea-Tac's MasterPark, the City of Edmonds and Seattle Children's Hospital are part of a nationwide movement to use American-made propane autogas, which is both cleaner than gasoline and more affordable to implement than other alternative fuels.
As a partner in the international Alliance AutoGas network, Blue Star Gas makes switching to autogas a streamlined process for these fleets, coordinating vehicle conversions, on-site fueling, operational and safety training, and ongoing technical support. Fellow Seattle-area Alliance partner Carburetor Connection handles installation of the autogas vehicle conversion kits, using the versatile and bi-fuel Prins VSI system.
"Not only is propane autogas an environmentally friendly and American-made fuel, using autogas is a smart business move for fleets looking to boost their bottom line," says Darren Engle of Blue Star Gas, who also serves as chairman of the Propane Education and Research Council's Research and Technology Development Working Group. "While gasoline prices continue hitting record highs on the West Coast, autogas fleets are saving $1.50-per-gallon-or-more on autogas versus gasoline."
The largest Sea-Tac Airport shuttle fleet, MasterPark is in the process of converting 8 shuttles to autogas and installing an on-site fuel station. The City of Edmonds is switching 17 vehicles to autogas, including 16 Ford Crown Victoria police cruisers and a public works truck. Once all 17 autogas vehicles are up and running, the City will save around $60,000 on fuel costs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 40 tons annually. Blue Star Gas has also helped Seattle Children's Hospital and the Washington Department of Transportation switch fleet vehicles to autogas.
Propane autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world, powering 18 million vehicles globally. Autogas is 30 percent cleaner than gasoline, so propane-powered fleets help improve the air quality in their local communities by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants. Ninety-eight percent of the U.S. autogas supply is made in America.
"Fleets that switch to autogas not only save on fuel costs, they save on maintenance costs, too, because autogas is cleaner burning than gasoline," says Brett Flanigan, director of sales for Blue Star Gas. "And it's much more affordable to convert vehicles and install fueling stations for autogas compared to other alternative fuels, like CNG. Autogas is simply the most viable clean fuel for fleets that's ready to use, now."
About Blue Star Gas
Blue Star Gas is a full-service propane distribution company committed to delivering the highest level of customer care across 75,000 square miles and 13 unique Washington, Oregon and California markets. With 75 years in the propane industry, Blue Star Gas is a third-generation family-owned company that now brings the advantages of the Alliance AutoGas complete program for fleets to the West Coast. Through developing technologies and improved practices, Blue Star Gas is transforming the industry standard for customer service. Visit www.bluestargas.com for more information.
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