'Man Caves' Vehicle Fueled by Propane Autogas Showcased at International Builder's Show

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, MI - ROUSHCleanTech's liquid propane-autogas-powered Ford E-350 cutaway van, featured on the DIY Network television show "Man Caves," is being showcased as Ford's presentation vehicle at the National Association of Home Builder's International Builders Show, January 12-15, in Orlando, Fla. The "Man Caves" utility van will be used in at least three upcoming episodes of the television program.

"We're thrilled that 'Man Caves' has added a ROUSH CleanTech propane-autogas van with a Knapheide Utility Vehicle (KUV) body organized with Sortimo solutions," said Chris Weiss, vice president of engineering at Knapheide. "This van, a virtual workshop on wheels, shows that 'green' can be sustainable and productive."

A professional speaker will provide narration to the attendees in the booth each hour about the latest features and benefits of this Ford presentation vehicle, focusing on 2011 enhanced equipment changes, such as the Ford Work Solution's in-dash computer and the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system. The van will be displayed in Ford's booth #W2229.

"This van promises to boost any builder's bottom line with lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance costs," said ROUSH CleanTech President Joe Thompson, who will be on hand in the Ford booth to answer questions about the alternative fuel van. "Propane autogas is not only environmentally friendly, but it has a tough side that lives and breathes durability, dependability, and economic feasibility."

Propane autogas is already the most widely used alternative fuel on roads today in the United States, powering over 270,000 vehicles. Worldwide, more than 13 million vehicles run on propane autogas. Up to 56,000 miles of pipeline, more than 6,000 retail dealer locations, and thousands of propane autogas fueling stations across the United States make the fuel readily available. It burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with up to 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer particulate emissions when compared to gasoline.

"Propane autogas powered vehicles are the smart choice for businesses aiming to meet air quality standards without taking a hit in the pocket," said Thompson. "Beyond proven 'green' benefits, this fuel makes sense for business by reducing our country's dependence on foreign oil and boosting profits. And historically, propane autogas costs 30 to 40 percent less than gasoline."

The "Man Caves" utility van features Knapheide's KUV service body, Sortimo boxes, cases and accessories, adjustable shelves and dividers for easy reconfiguration depending on the project requirements, a cargo compartment with retention poles to hold sheet material and other over-sized parts and pieces, and a bed slide to help load and unload heavy equipment. The in-dash computer system features a computer screen and wireless keyboard, allowing the driver to function as though from an office.

For more details about the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane-autogas-powered Ford E-350, visit www.switchtopropane.com/propane_e350.html. For more information about Knapheide's product offerings, visit www.knapheide.com. For more information about Ford's enhanced vehicle features, including the in-dash computer, visit www.fordworksolutions.com. For more information about the show, visit www.buildersshow.com.