ROUSH CleanTech Announces Two Major Brands Add Propane Autogas Delivery Fleets

Indianapolis, IN (March 3, 2016) — ROUSH CleanTech announced today at the Work Truck Show that two major brands had adopted the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system to operate their delivery fleets; Nestlé Waters North America and Bimbo Bakeries USA. Environmental stewardship is just one reason Nestlé Waters North America is adding more than 150 medium-duty beverage delivery trucks fueled by propane autogas — but it’s a big motivation: Over the vehicles’ lifetime, the 155 Ford F-650 trucks will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 24.6 million pounds. These units will be deployed beginning in April.

“Becoming a better steward of our environment is a priority for Nestlé Waters,” said Bill Ardis, national fleet manager for Nestlé Waters North America, speaking at the 2016 NTEA Work Truck Show. “We’ve been running propane autogas vehicles since 2014. Because of the proven emissions reductions and cost savings, we knew it was the right choice to expand our fleet with this domestically produced alternative fuel.”

The new medium-duty delivery trucks, added to the company’s existing autogas fleet of 30 Ford trucks of the same model, will also help the company save on maintenance and fuel costs. “Autogas allows us to operate without compromising standard delivery methods and reduce operational costs,” Ardis said.

Propane autogas, a domestically produced fuel, costs the company an average of $1 per gallon, versus their $2 per gallon cost of diesel. “Customers have already noticed that our trucks operating on autogas are quieter and cleaner,” Ardis said.

Each delivery truck is equipped with a California Air Resources Board- and Environmental Protection Agency-compliant ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system with a 45-usable gallon fuel tank. Mickey Body in High Point, North Carolina, upfitted the vehicles with side-load beverage bays.

“Fueling beverage delivery trucks with propane autogas offers the best total cost of ownership,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “By choosing this safe, abundant and American-made fuel, fleets around the nation have reduced operating costs and lowered their carbon footprint.”

The Nestlé Waters North America propane trucks are used to deliver product to its customers across the country including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Milwaukee and Fort Lauderdale. Deployments in 2016 will include New York City, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Additionally, Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is delivering its bread and baked goods in vehicles fueled by emissions-reducing, domestically produced propane autogas. The company’s 84 new Ford F-59 trucks, equipped with ROUSH CleanTech fuel technology, operate in three of BBU’s major markets, Chicago-area, Denver-area, and Washington, D.C. region will begin making deliveries this month. These autogas vehicles deliver brands such as Thomas’, Oroweat, Entenmann’s and Sara Lee, to retail locations.

Gary Maresca, senior director of fleet services for BBU noted, “This initiative is the latest in our company’s continued effort to reduce our carbon footprint.” BBU installed on-site fueling stations at each location, eliminating the need to refill at retail stations. Maresca expects to see a reduction in operational costs as a result of the lower fuel prices as well as maintenance savings due to the cleaner-burning properties of the fuel.

“Whenever an established industry leader like Bimbo Bakeries USA chooses to operate a large fleet of delivery vehicles with propane autogas over other fuel options, it’s a big deal,” said Tucker Perkins, Propane Education & Research Council’s chief business development officer. “Propane autogas vehicles are proven to reduce emissions and offer the lowest total cost of ownership of any fuel option for fleets and we’re thrilled that Bimbo Bakeries USA recognizes that.” BBU unveiled their propane autogas fleet today in PERC’s booth at The Work Truck Show.