As the price of gasoline continues to climb with no end in sight, companies heavily dependent upon fossil fuels are turning more and more to compressed natural gas (CNG). This trend has recently become increasingly popular amongst medium duty trucks with short haul applications. The CNG landscape has shown an increase in technological workmanship that has enabled fleets to rely on alternative fuels more frequently. As a result, CNG vehicle technology manufacturers are seeing an increased demand for CNG conversions.

Recently, World CNG performed a conversion for Click Wholesale Distributing, a Kent based wine, beer and spirits distributor. Click Distributing was recently awarded “Fleet of the Month” by Beverage World Magazine for their initial and continuing commitment to cleaner alternative fuels.

For Click’s delivery needs, an F-650 box truck was converted to run entirely on CNG. Conversions for medium duty trucks are becoming increasingly popular amongst fleet managers looking to reduce fuel expenditures and increase sustainability.

Up until recently, many fleet managers have been skeptical of CNG applications to their vehicles. However, a significant portion of those concerns have been addressed with the increase of CNG fueling infrastructure and upgraded technology.

When asked about the performance of the dedicated fuel system installed in the F-650 Click Wholesale Distribution’s operations manager, Vaughn Sommerseth stated, “The truck runs great! It still has power, drives smoothly and, at this time, there is no loss due to the conversion. Fueling has been equal time to that of diesel fueling, so there is no impact in that department. There is no smell or odor around the truck as some previous reports led us to believe. The mileage is also right around the forecast. All numbers are in line, and we are very pleased. We can’t wait until the next truck!”

In addition to the benefits that Click Distributing is experiencing, many CNG vehicle operators are surprised by the reduction of engine noise. Although this is a smaller benefit, it is worth noting when comparing your next purchase of a diesel, gasoline, or natural gas truck.

For more information on natural gas vehicles and conversions, please visit our website or contact us at 866.306.0804.

Kent, Wash. (February 6, 2013) – World CNG, a company specializing in alternative fuel vehicle technology and conversions, today announced the receipt of $5 million in funding from Seattle-based Union Bay Capital, a leading institutionally backed private investment firm. World CNG plans to use the infusion of growth capital to accelerate product research and development, expand and upgrade its natural gas vehicle conversion facilities, and more deeply penetrate its core market.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered near Seattle, World CNG specializes in conversions of light- and medium-duty passenger and cargo vehicles to use compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of conventional gasoline or diesel. In the past two years, World CNG has emerged as a national leader in natural gas vehicle conversion services, converting thousands of cars, vans, and trucks for a variety of public and private fleets across the United States. The company’s strong presence in nine major U.S. markets is backed by a national sales team and industry-leading product design and technical execution.

“We have been impressed by World CNG’s leadership position in America’s natural gas vehicle market,” stated Kevin Barber, Managing Director of Union Bay Capital. “Their commitment to advancing affordable and clean-burning natural gas to meet our country’s transportation needs is reflected in their aggressive growth strategy and painstaking approach to innovative product development. These factors provide fertile ground for expansion and we are excited about working with World CNG to take advantage of a very promising market opportunity.”

Funding from Union Bay Capital is the foundation of a plan for World CNG to significantly boost its CNG vehicle production capacity in key regional markets, with new and enhanced conversion facilities in Chicago and Las Vegas. The company will also establish a distribution center in the southwestern United States as part of their continuing efforts to foster efficient and environmentally sustainable internal supply chain practices.

In addition, a portion of the funding is earmarked for research and development projects aimed at reducing the upfront costs of natural gas vehicles.

“This capital investment marks an exciting stage in our company’s development,” said Garret Alpers, World CNG President and CEO. “Over the past two years World CNG has focused on sound strategies for expanding our footprint and formulating performance-based solutions to drive down the cost of CNG conversions and make natural gas vehicles more accessible to more users. This new injection of funding accelerates World CNG’s trajectory of significantly shaping America’s natural gas vehicle industry.”

About World CNG:

Escalating economic and environmental costs of transportation fuels affect businesses and municipalities of all sizes, but especially those with fleets of vehicles that consume thousands of gallons of fuel every year. World CNG’s mission is to provide these fleets with vehicles that save money on fuel and maintenance costs and produce significantly fewer harmful emissions than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. World CNG specializes in the aftermarket conversion of light- and medium-duty passenger and cargo vehicles to use compressed natural gas instead of conventional gasoline or diesel. With over 25 years of experience in the development, fabrication, and installation of alternative fuel systems, World CNG is a well-established leader in the alternative fuel vehicles industry. Catering primarily to public and private fleets and transit and paratransit groups, World CNG’s product line covers the entire spectrum of fleet vehicles.

About Union Bay Capital:

Union Bay Capital is an institutionally backed investment fund providing growth capital to exceptional technology companies. Union Bay Capital is an innovative firm which offers a range of minimally dilutive, non-restrictive financing solutions tailored to each company’s unique circumstance and market opportunity. The fund targets investments of $1 to $10 million in a broad range of sectors including software, digital media, mobile, internet and business services. Representative investments include Next IT, ComiXology and Lighthouse eDiscovery.

Contact:

World CNG
Office: 866.306.0804
http://www.worldcng.com

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You can download the above press release here: PR-FundingFeb2013.pdf (194 KB)

Alpers stated: “The addition of these three experienced business leaders to World CNG’s Board will undoubtedly provide our executives and management team with new insight and perspectives related to the rapidly growing natural gas vehicle industry.” He added: “I am confident that World CNG’s customers, employees, and shareholders will benefit from the ideas and expertise of these new directors, and I look forward to working with them as we continue to expand our product line and pursue the exciting opportunities in front of us.”

About Kirt Montague

Mr. Montague is the CEO of Plum Energy LLC, a Washington state-based company focused on the development of small-scale LNG value chains to facilitate the increased use of natural gas in the industrial and transportation markets. Previously, Mr. Montague was the CEO and board member of Prometheus Energy Group, Inc., a vertically integrated energy company he founded in 2003 and led through the sale of a majority interest to the Shell Technology Venture Fund in 2010. Before forming Prometheus, Mr. Montague was a managing shareholder of Romero Montague, P.S., a business law firm in Bellevue, Washington. In addition to his service on World CNG’s board, Mr. Montague is the chairman of the boards of the Washington Clean Technology Alliance and of Gaseous Fuel Systems Corp. in Weston, Florida. He is also a member of the board of Water Tectonics Inc. located in Everett, Washington. Mr. Montague, who is based in Seattle, has a law degree from the University of Michigan and a degree in Business Management and Finance from Brigham Young University.

About Steve Polski

Mr. Polski is the Senior Manager of Corporate Responsibility for Cargill Inc. In that role, he is responsible for Cargill’s development and deployment of a Responsible Supply Chains Strategy, which focuses on managing environmental and social risks, as well as creating value in global diverse operations and supply chains, including energy and agriculture. Prior to joining Cargill, Mr. Polski spent nine years with the Andersen Corporation leading its transportation and fleet functions. Mr. Polski also worked for several years in a variety of leadership positions in the transportation and third-party logistics segments. In addition to his service on World CNG’s board, Mr. Polski recently accepted a board role for Dakota Communities, which provides residency and care for mentally and physically disabled adults. Mr. Polski, who is based in Minneapolis, has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Saint Thomas.

About Eric Rottier

Mr. Rottier is the CEO and member of the board of directors at Taylor-Wharton International LLC, one of the world’s leading technology, service, and manufacturing network for gas applications. Prior to joining Taylor-Wharton International, Mr. Rottier held various senior positions at Minnesota Valley Engineering Inc., and was the President and COO of Chart Asia Inc. More recently, Mr. Rottier worked as an Operating Partner for Black River Asset Management’s LNG Fund, New Path Energy Capital LLC, helping to assess investment opportunities in the sector. Mr. Rottier, who is based in Minneapolis, has a master’s degree in Manufacturing and Systems Engineering from the University of St. Thomas, and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

About World CNG

Escalating economic and environmental costs of transportation fuels affect businesses and municipalities of all sizes, but especially those with fleets of vehicles that consume thousands of gallons of fuel every year. World CNG’s mission is to provide these fleets with vehicles that save money on fuel and maintenance costs and produce significantly fewer harmful emissions than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. World CNG specializes in the aftermarket conversion of light- and medium-duty passenger and cargo vehicles to use compressed natural gas instead of conventional gasoline or diesel. With over 25 years of experience in the development, fabrication, and installation of alternative fuel systems, World CNG is a well-established leader in the alternative fuel vehicles industry. Catering primarily to public and private fleets and transit and paratransit groups, World CNG’s product line covers the entire spectrum of fleet vehicles.

Contact:

World CNG
Office: 866.306.0804
http://www.worldcng.com

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You can download the above press release here: PR-BoardofDirectors.pdf (324 KB)

The gorgeous vehicle in this video by Richard Thompson III, called the “Magnolia Special,” is a custom build by Bienville Studios. It was designed from the ground up as a dedicated CNG vehicle and is a good example of the many ways CNG fuel can be utilized. Here’s quick description of the vehicle from Bienville Studios:

More information about the Magnolia Special, including comments from Jay Leno, can be found on Bienville Studios website here: http://bienvillestudios.com/index.php/magnolia-special/

More from Richard Thompson III can be found here: http://www.rvt3.net

Kent, WA –(November 28, 2012)– World CNG, a company specializing in natural gas vehicle technology and conversions, today announced the successful completion of a 2012 Ford F550 dedicated natural gas truck platform. The project’s goal was straightforward: produce a natural gas-powered Ford F550 with a crane service body that achieves a 250 mile range and outperforms the gasoline model at near-maximum loads of 19,500 lbs. Critical to the success of the project were service body manufacturer CASECO Manufacturing and World CNG’s Oklahoma City certified install partner Clear Sky CNG.

“Natural gas-powered vehicles are a cleaner and more affordable solution for any number of fleets that operate medium- duty work trucks,” said Josh Hosford, World CNG Vice President of Sales. “World CNG’s new F550 dedicated CNG conversions combine the rugged durability of the CASECO service body with the versatility of our custom-designed natural gas fuel systems to offer these fleets a safe and reliable natural gas work vehicle.”

Chesapeake Energy Corporation, the second largest producer of natural gas in the United States, was the first customer to purchase the Ford F550 platform for its corporate fleet. Chesapeake is converting its fleet of nearly 5,000 vehicles to run on compressed natural gas.

“Chesapeake would not be able to convert its fleet to run on CNG without a variety of vehicle options, including the Ford F550 offered by World CNG,” said Dale Sanderson, Chesapeake Specialty Equipment Manager. “World CNG accommodated our fleet’s needs and produced a vehicle that is performing well in the field. We look forward to continuing to take advantage of the many benefits of using natural gas as a transportation fuel – specifically fuel cost savings and lower emissions.”

Hosford added, “These conversions typically pay for themselves in eighteen months. Because our design focuses on range and drivability, we expect very strong demand for this product in 2013.”

In addition to the Ford F550 configuration World CNG also has available EPA- and CARB-certified dedicated CNG conversions for the Ford F450 and F650 trucks. Each configuration features a World CNG high pressure system, custom- designed to allow for a variety of box and service body options to suit utility/municipal fleets, private contractors, and cargo delivery services.

The box truck configuration includes two rail-mounted composite CNG tanks with a combined 58.6 GGE of fuel storage, providing an estimated range of up to 350 miles and no loss of cargo space. Service bodies are manufactured and engineered by CASECO Manufacturing, as are each I-Mount Cross Box that houses a dual CNG tank configuration. The I- Mount Cross Box is a space-efficient and sturdy CNG tank storage solution that also provides one slide-out storage drawer. Three composite dual tank configurations are available, each providing 250 to 350 miles of estimated range.

CNG conversions are available for model years 2011 and 2012 and for F450 and F550 vehicles up to 19,500 lbs. maximum GVW and the F650 model up to 30,000 lbs. maximum GVW. Model year 2013 is available for pre-order.

About World CNG:

Escalating economic and environmental costs of transportation fuels affect businesses and municipalities of all sizes, but especially those with fleets of vehicles that consume thousands of gallons of fuel every year. World CNG’s mission is to provide these fleets with vehicles that save money on fuel and maintenance costs and produce significantly fewer harmful emissions than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. World CNG specializes in the aftermarket conversion of light- and medium-duty passenger and cargo vehicles to use compressed natural gas instead of conventional gasoline or diesel. With over 25 years of experience in the development, fabrication, and installation of alternative fuel systems, World CNG is a well-established leader in the alternative fuel vehicles industry. Catering primarily to public and private fleets and transit and paratransit groups, World CNG’s product line covers the entire spectrum of fleet vehicles.

Contact:

World CNG
Office: 866.306.0804
http://www.worldcng.com

# # #

You can download the above press release here: PR-F550.pdf (208 KB)

Partnership between World CNG and Alt Fuel Partners will facilitate CNG retrofits of select light- and medium-duty in-service vehicles across the U.S.

Kent, WA –(October 25, 2012)– World CNG, a company specializing in alternative fuel vehicle technology and conversions, today announced a partnership with Alt Fuel Partners, the National Joint Powers Alliance Approved Contractor for Ford Motor Company alternative fuel-powered cars, trucks, and vans. Alt Fuel Partners’ recently expanded NJPA contract now includes a provision to offer NJPA members alternative fuel-powered vehicles of a variety of brands that are currently in service (i.e., used vehicles). World CNG has been named the primary CNG system installer for such vehicles.

The National Joint Powers Alliance is a public agency that facilitates and streamlines the bidding, purchasing, and contracting process on behalf of its 45,000 members across the United States. The NJPA responds to its member’s purchasing needs by securing legal, competitive, and valuable product and service solutions from industry-leading vendors. NJPA membership is available in all 50 states to government, education, and non-profit agencies at no cost or obligation.

“Alt Fuel Partners’ involvement with the NJPA is an innovative and sincere approach to promoting the adoption of alternative fuel-powered vehicles in the public and non-profit sectors,” said Garret Alpers, President and CEO of World CNG. “World CNG is excited to join in these efforts by providing aftermarket CNG conversions for a range of vehicle makes and models. Through their NJPA membership, procurement officials now have a fast and easy bid procurement option that allows their fleets to take advantage of cleaner-burning and cost-effective natural gas.”

Joe Hughes, Program Coordinator for Alt Fuel Partners, added, “Many NJPA members do not have the budget to replace their fleet vehicles at the rate they were accustomed to prior to the current economic downturn. These members do, though, feel the need, and in some cases have received legislative mandates, to proceed with alternative fuel-powered vehicles. Our partnership with World CNG makes it possible for these members to begin the move towards alternative fuel vehicles by affordably retrofitting in-service vehicles to run on CNG.”

EPA-certified dedicated CNG conversions available under the NJPA contract include: 2009-2011 Chevrolet Impala, 2012 Ford Fusion, 2010-2012 Ford Escape, 2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2012 Isuzu NPR, 2011-2012 Chevrolet Silverado/Sierra, 2011-2012 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2011-2012 GM Cutaway. Also available are EPA-certified bi-fuel CNG conversions for the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Silverado/Sierra, 2011-2012 Chevrolet Suburban, 2011-2012 Ford F-Series trucks, 2012 Ford Fusion, and 2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.

About World CNG:

Escalating economic and environmental costs of transportation fuels affect businesses and municipalities of all sizes, but especially those with fleets of vehicles that consume thousands of gallons of fuel every year. World CNG’s mission is to provide these fleets with vehicles that save money on fuel and maintenance costs and produce significantly fewer harmful emissions than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. World CNG specializes in the aftermarket conversion of light- and medium-duty passenger and cargo vehicles to use compressed natural gas instead of conventional gasoline or diesel. With over 25 years of experience in the development, fabrication, and installation of alternative fuel systems, World CNG is a well-established leader in the alternative fuel vehicles industry. Catering primarily to public and private fleets and transit and paratransit groups, World CNG’s product line covers the entire spectrum of fleet vehicles.

About Alt Fuel Partners:

Alt Fuel Partners (www.altfuelpartners.com) is the national supplier of alternative fuel-powered Ford vehicles to members of the National Joint Powers Alliance (www.NJPAcoop.org). The supplying partners consists of Northside Ford Truck of Portland, Oregon; supplying Ford trucks and vans under the NJPA contract, and Gresham Ford of nearby Gresham, Oregon, supplying Ford cars, SUV’s and CUV’s to NJPA members nation-wide.

Contact:

World CNG
Office: 866.306.0804
http://www.worldcng.com

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You can download the above press release here: PR-NJPA_25October2012.pdf (221 KB)

Chicago, August 21, 2012 – World CNG, a company specializing in natural gas vehicle conversions, today announced an agreement to build eleven natural gas-powered Dodge Grand Caravans for SCR Medical Transportation of Chicago. Over the next month, these cleaner-burning vehicles will be integrated into SCR’s fleet that provides paratransit services in a six county area of northeastern Illinois. Each Dodge Grand Caravan CNG is outfitted with an ElDorado National side-loading wheelchair ramp and 11.2 GGEs of CNG fuel storage that provide up to 200 miles of range.

According to the American Public Transit Association, 15% of public transit buses in the U.S. are powered by natural gas and nearly 20% of all buses on order are slated to run on natural gas. Transit agencies are increasingly making the switch from diesel to natural gas to save money on fuel and reduce air and noise pollution. As Garret Alpers, President of World CNG, explains, paratransit operators that prefer the versatility and fuel economy of a minivan can now also capitalize on the benefits of incorporating natural gas vehicles into their fleets.

“Through a partnership with NatGasCar, we have been able to develop an EPA-certified CNG minivan that is a safe and affordable solution for paratransit operators,” said Alpers. “The innovative trunk-mounted CNG tank design allows for the straightforward addition of the side-load wheelchair ramp that many ADA service providers require.”

“SCR continually strives to provide transportation services that not only preserve but can also improve upon the health and safety of our customers,” said Stan Rakestraw, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SCR Medical Transportation. “Adopting new vehicle technologies and cleaner fuels like CNG allow us to better serve our community.”

“World CNG is tremendously proud to support SCR Medical Transportation’s pioneering efforts to provide environmentally sustainable ADA transportation services to their Chicagoland passengers,” added Alpers. “SCR’s commitment to reduce their fleet’s carbon emissions, even in the face of Chicago’s harsh operating conditions, is a model for paratransit operators everywhere.”

Federal grant funding administered by the City of Chicago’s Departments of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Green Taxi Program covered the incremental cost of the CNG conversion.

About World CNG:

Escalating economic and environmental costs of transportation fuels affect businesses and municipalities of all sizes, but especially those with fleets of vehicles that consume thousands of gallons of fuel every year. World CNG’s mission is to provide these fleets with vehicles that save money on fuel and maintenance costs and produce significantly fewer harmful emissions than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. World CNG specializes in the aftermarket conversion of light- and medium-duty passenger and cargo vehicles to use compressed natural gas instead of conventional gasoline or diesel. With over 25 years of experience in the development, fabrication, and installation of alternative fuel systems, World CNG is a well-established leader in the alternative fuel vehicles industry. Catering primarily to public and private fleets and transit and paratransit groups, World CNG’s product line covers the entire spectrum of fleet vehicles.

About SCR Medical Transportation:

SCR has built a strong reputation as the premier paratransit operator in one of the nation’s toughest operating environments by taking on Chicago’s legendary weather and traffic congestion to deliver twenty-five years of exceptional service both in on-time performance and service productivity. Paramount to SCR’s success is the ability to schedule the optimal mix of resources, providing ADA and non-ADA community transportation services to a six county area of northeastern Illinois. Capitalizing on our original expertise in non-emergency medical transportation, SCR continues to provide extensive service in this sector including major projects with the Veterans Administration covering parts of Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

Contact:

World CNG
Office: 866.306.0804
http://www.worldcng.com

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You can download the above press release here: PR-SCRMedicalTransportation.pdf (2.8 MB)

From NGV Global:

Seattle CNG Fleet Analysis Highlights Fuel Advantage
July 3, 2012 | USA, Seattle WA

45 Chevy Impala hire-cabs achieve CO2 emissions reduction of approximately 28% annually, or over 500 tons, compared with similar conventional-fuel taxis.

Taking the concept of green cabs literally, new Seattle taxi company CNG for Hire has launched a fleet of green and blue coloured compressed natural gas (CNG) cabs. The first vehicles brought into service are 45 Chevy Impalas. World CNG, based in Kent, Washington, outfitted these vehicles with approximately 11 GGE (gasoline gallon equivalent) of CNG storage, providing a range of approximately 200 miles.

Sarah Roberts, Director of Environmental Business Strategy for World CNG explained to NGV Global News: “Taxi vehicles in this area cover approximately 100,000 miles per year. Given the average mileage of these vehicles and the current average regional price differential between gasoline and CNG ($3.60 – $1.89 = $1.71), each CNG for Hire vehicle stands to save approximately $10,000 per annum on fuel costs ($450,000 across the fleet).

CNG for Hire was awarded $460,000 in stimulus grants under a $300 million U. S. Department of Energy program to help commercial fleets, including taxis, convert to cleaner fuels. The conversion cost per vehicle was around $10,000.

World CNG carried out a small fleet-wide analysis for the City of Seattle shortly after CNG for Hire’s kick-off event some weeks ago. “I compared the annual CO2 emissions from the 45-vehicle CNG for Hire fleet with that of a fleet of 45 Ford Crown Victorias (the the most common conventionally fueled taxi vehicle in Seattle). The reduction in CO2 afforded by this CNG fleet is impressive,” said Roberts.

The analysis compared annual emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from a 45-vehicle fleet of 2009 Chevrolet Impalas operating on compressed natural gas (CNG) to a 45-vehicle fleet of 2009 Ford Crown Victorias operating on conventional gasoline, as a function of percent city driving. For both fleet scenarios, 100,000 miles driven annually is assumed. Fuel economy and emissions data were derived from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Transportation and Air Quality sources.

Gasoline (red) and CNG (blue) clearly depict CNG advantage (Source: World CNG)

The bottom (green) line shows that over the course of one year, replacing a fleet of 45 Ford Crown Victorias operating on conventional gasoline with 45 Chevrolet Impalas running on CNG results in CO2 emissions reduction of approximately 28%, or over 500 tons.

It should be noted that in addition to producing lower emissions of the principle greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, CNG-powered vehicles produce significantly lower harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and toxic and carcinogenic pollutants, than gasoline and diesel vehicles. “Particularly in urban environments CNG vehicles are a proven solution for meeting EPA non-attainment measures and improving local air quality,” Roberts added.

CNG for Hire vehicles do not carry fare meters; drivers are also prohibited from picking up customers trying to hail a cab on the street.

(This article primarily compiled using information supplied by World CNG)