PHOENIX - ThyssenKrupp Elevator, the world's premier manufacturer, installer, and service provider of vertical and horizontal transportation technology, is test-driving propane-fuel technology for its service vehicles in the Phoenix market. The company, which runs a fleet of 3,300 vehicles in North America, has partnered with ROUSH CleanTech to engineer Ford E-series cargo vans to run on propane.

Propane vehicles emit as much as 18 percent less greenhouse gases, 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, and 60 percent less carbon monoxide than gasoline-powered vehicles, according to studies funded by the Propane Education and Research Council.    

"The switch to a more eco-friendly fuel is part of ThyssenKrupp Elevator's commitment to the environment by helping us reduce our carbon footprint," said Brad Nemeth, director of sustainability at ThyssenKrupp Elevator. "Propane-powered vans reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 24 percent, compared to gas-powered vans."

"We are excited about deploying this new alternative fuel product in our fleet," said Tom Armstrong, director of fleet at ThyssenKrupp Elevator. "We expect the pilot program in Phoenix to lead to significant cost savings in both fuel usage and maintenance intervals. A successful pilot will inform our use of alternative fuels in all our North American markets in the future, which will reduce the operating costs for our fleet overall."

ThyssenKrupp Elevator, which is considering using similar test vehicles in other markets, partnered with ROUSH CleanTech to engineer the liquid-propane fuel injection systems for three Ford E-series cargo vans. ROUSH CleanTech offers a variety of vehicles and conversion kits to switch Ford pickups and vans to run on propane with no loss or horsepower, torque, or towing capacity.

"We're excited for ThyssenKrupp to take on this leadership role," said Jack Roush, CEO of ROUSH Enterprises. "Propane continues to be a leading alternative fuel that is available right now, at an economical price, and helps to reduce emissions, which results in cleaner air for everyone to breathe."

Propane is already the most widely used alternative fuel on roads today in the United States, powering 270,000 vehicles. Worldwide, more than 14 million vehicles run on propane. Up to 56,000 miles of pipeline, more than 6,000 retail dealer locations, and thousands of propane fueling stations across the United States make propane readily available.

About ROUSH CleanTech: Based in Livonia, Mich., ROUSH CleanTech offers dedicated liquid-propane injection fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium- duty Ford vehicles, including the F-150, F-250, and F-350 truck series, and the E-150, E-250, E-350, and E-450 cutaway van series. Currently offered through authorized Ford dealerships around the country, the ROUSH CleanTech propane system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics, warranty coverage, and serviceability. Customers can reduce operating costs significantly while reducing vehicle emissions. Complete details on ROUSH CleanTech propane offerings can be found online at  www.ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800-59-ROUSH.