The Voice of Robbie Smit, Area Manager North America for Westport Fuel Systems
The Voice spoke with Robbie Smit, Area Manager North America for Westport Fuel Systems about their newly launched website, Autogas for Fleets, where information is being shared regarding opportunities for Fleets to drive on Autogas.
The Voice: What is Autogas for Fleets?
Robbie Smit: Autogas for Fleets is a new initiative to showcase the success, broad opportunities and viability of Autogas Propane in Fleet vehicles for commercial business in North America specifically. It is a collaborative platform (website) by Prins | Westport Fuel Systems Netherlands and two North American companies that are leading in the Propane Autogas industry.
TV: Why did we create this website and what are the goals for this website?
RS: There are many websites of supporting organisations, stakeholders and companies in the industry, but there was none that focuses exclusively on Autogas solutions in Fleets. We set many goals for ourselves, most importantly we want to showcase how advanced, versatile and successful the existing Autogas business is, reinforcing credibility, by combining Canadian and American successes.
Improving our connections with endorsements of our initiatives by local associations such as the CPA, PERC, WLPGA and with each other. We decided to take a different approach with the website, to be educational and informative, unbiased and not constraint by brands. To give the stage to Autogas in Fleets, a proven solution, instead of going deep into our technology and specific sales or brands existing in the Autogas propane market.
We use the new website together with our partners in social media campaigns to create more awareness for Autogas fleet solutions.
Finally, we believe that it is important that there is a good online space for people to land if they are new to Autogas. Where information is easily accessible, and it does not require a visitor to spend much time to find the information that is applicable to their operation.
TV: For who is this website?
RS: Our targeted audience essentially consists of: Fleet managers, fleet professionals, business owners, propane gas companies, Autogas sales professionals, CFO’s and industry associations. All these people play a role in the sale of Autogas projects and could be looking for information and credibility.
It is United States and Canada oriented, but useful worldwide regardless of where the visitor is from. We strive for our information and platform to be part of the sales process to fleets. We will use social media channels, advertisement campaigns and also hope to find other methods to broaden our reach.
TV: Why are Fleets good candidates to use Autogas propane use?
RS: The vehicles that commercial fleets are using in Canada and United States are generally very well suited to run on Autogas propane and are sold or upfitted with Autogas all over the world.
This is because commercial vehicles are usually pick-up trucks, vans and customisable chassis, all with larger displacement engines to create the needed power and torque, by using gasoline engines, in contrary to Diesel in Europe. This is a vehicle space where Autogas propane continues to shine as an alternative fuel with many advantages over electric vehicles for example. There are no mileage and operational limitations with Autogas propane, available at a lower cost or investment, it is applicable on many vehicles for which there are no electric options today or even confirmed to be developed in the future.
Considering that in most regions throughout the United States and Canada there is no standard Autogas network, offering custom fuel solutions are working best for fleets.
TV: What are the advantages for Fleets?
RS:
- Save on fuel cost! This remains the main driver to choose Autogas over gasoline or diesel.
- Reduce the fleet emissions! A very important advantage that is being recognised more today than before, it still needs to go hand in hand with the cost savings for fleets. Renewable Propane Autogas will have an additional positive effect on emission reductions.
- Autogas (bi-fuel) is a solution that can be applied on many standard vehicles and engines that Fleets currently use.
Meaning that fleets don’t necessarily require a new vehicle purchase.
We see that when companies are looking for a greener fleet solution and investigate EV solutions they find that there is no option available for them, or they won’t be able to operate their vehicle as they need and additionally they have to make a large investment on the vehicle and charging. When adding an Autogas fuel system to the vehicle it can be operated as if on gasoline and can be applied to new and used vehicles the fleet already owns.
The only requirement is that there is an Autogas solution available in that market for that vehicle and engine, but realistically currently all important applications are covered and where there is an interest for something new we are open to talk to fleets and see if we can help them out.
www.autogasforfleets.com
https://autogasforfleets.com/partners/
