Propel Fuels Introduces Southern California's First Public Access to High Performance Renewable Diesel Fuel

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 12, 2015) - Beginning today, Propel Fuels (propelfuels.com) is introducing the nation's most advanced diesel fuel: Diesel HPR (High Performance Renewable) at locations across Southern California. Utilizing Neste's (neste.us) NEXBTL renewable diesel, Propel's Diesel HPR is a low-carbon, renewable fuel that meets petroleum diesel specifications and can be used in any diesel engine. Fleets and consumers choosing Diesel HPR realize the benefits of better performance, significant reductions in greenhouse gases (GHGs), and improved local air quality due to the reduction of harmful air emissions including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates (PM 2.5) versus petroleum-based diesel.

"Drivers across Southern California can now experience the power, performance and value of Diesel HPR, while making a positive impact on the air quality of the region," said Rob Elam, CEO of Propel. "Any diesel vehicle can fill with Diesel HPR since it meets the ASTM D-975 quality standard for petroleum diesel."

In addition to new retail locations, Propel has launched Diesel HPR commercial and bulk availability for business and government fleets statewide. Delivered in bulk to businesses and agencies, Propel's HPR is bundled with the company's patented CleanDrive® emissions accounting software, allowing fleets to easily quantify and report GHG reductions and air quality benefits.

Diesel HPR made its North American debut in March 2015 at 18 Propel stations across Northern California, where the company has seen very strong consumer response. In HPR's first three months of sales, Propel has seen a 300% increase in gallons sold compared to its former biodiesel product (B20). Propel customers have also provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the fuel, validating HPR's performance and value to drivers.

• "I'm thrilled to have Diesel HPR available to me here in California. I could tell a difference in the way my car ran within 10 minutes. Now I will only fill up with HPR." - Erik M., Folsom, CA
• "After running Diesel HPR fuel, the truck definitely feels like it has more torque. There seems to be better fuel economy too... I also notice significantly less smoke." - James C., Point Richmond, CA

Additional customer testimonials are available at: dieselhpr.com/testimonials.

Diesel HPR is now available at 13 Propel locations across Southern California markets including:

• Los Angeles/Orange County: Fullerton, Harbor City, La Mirada, Lakewood, Norwalk, Torrance and Wilmington
• San Diego: Chula Vista and Kearny Mesa
• Inland Empire: Arcadia, Claremont, Hemet and Ontario

Locations, directions and real time pricing can be found on Propel's mobile app available in the Android and Apple app stores. A complete list of locations is also available at dieselhpr.com/locations.

"It's good to see this high quality, low-carbon diesel coming to corner gas stations across Southern California," said Mary D. Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board. "This renewable diesel will now be conveniently located for all consumers, and joins a growing suite of new, cleaner transportation fuels in California thanks to our Low Carbon Fuel Standard and forward thinking companies like Propel."

Incorporating diesel refined from renewable biomass through Neste's advanced hydrotreating technology called NEXBTL, Diesel HPR meets the toughest specifications required by automotive and engine manufacturers, enabling the fuel to be used by any diesel vehicle. Diesel HPR is designated as ASTM D-975, the standard for all ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in the U.S., and is recognized as "CARB diesel" by the California Air Resources Board even though it contains no petroleum. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, renewable diesel's high combustion quality results in similar or better vehicle performance compared to conventional diesel, while California Air Resources Board studies show that renewable diesel can reach up to 70 percent greenhouse gas reduction compared to petroleum diesel. 

"We congratulate Propel Fuels on their initiative to introduce Diesel HPR to consumers in California and are excited to be their supplier of choice with our NEXBTL renewable diesel," said Kaisa Hietala, Neste's Executive Vice President of Renewable Products Business Area. "NEXBTL renewable diesel reduces emissions as well as enhances engine performance leading to lower maintenance and service costs."

About Propel 
Propel was founded in 2004 with a mission to connect consumers to better fuels. Propel has pioneered clean fuel retail, leading the industry with unparalleled innovation in retail technology and customer experience. With 43 Flex Fuel & 36 advanced diesel locations across California and Washington State, Propel provides new fuel choices that are higher in performance, deliver better value and create healthier communities. Propel has also developed CleanDrive®, the nation's first integrated carbon emission reduction tracking platform.

Propel is ranked among 2015's top 10 private companies in Silicon Valley and is recognized by Inc. Magazine's "Inc. 500". More information is available at propelfuels.com and by following Propel at facebook.com/propelfuels and on Twitter at @PropelFuels. Locations and real time pricing can be found on Propel's mobile app available in the Android and Apple app stores.

Apple iOS: itunes.apple.com/us/app/propel-station-locator-e85/id912207853?mt=8
Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.propelfuels.stnlctr

Neste in brief
Neste is a forerunner in oil refining and renewable solutions. We offer our customers cleaner traffic solutions and industrial products based on cutting-edge research. We are the leading producer of renewable diesel in the world, with an annual production volume of more than 2 million tons. We are also the world's largest producer of renewable fuels from waste and residues. Our sustainable practices have received recognition in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Global 100 list of the world's most sustainable companies. In 2014, our revenue amounted to EUR 15 billion. Neste shares are listed on NASDAQ Helsinki. Cleaner traffic, energy and life are moved forward by 5,000 professionals. Learn more at neste.us

Editors Note: More information, B-Roll video and photography for download and use is available at: dieselhpr.com/media.