ALTe Powertrain Technologies and Club Assist Announce Development Project on Plug-In Electric Hybrid Powertrain for Fleets

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ALTe Powertrain Technologies, developer of the first range-extended plug-in electric hybrid powertrain for light commercial fleet vehicle applications, and Club Assist, the leading supplier of mobile, car electric and road services to motoring clubs worldwide, today announced a joint development project to study ALTe's powertrain technology in Club Assist's fleet.

Club Assist will initiate the joint development project by taking possession of an ALTe-converted Ford F-150 truck for everyday fleet duties. The testing will take place in Illinois at Club Assist's Chicago location. Once completed, the project will provide invaluable information and feedback to ALTe and will allow Club Assist to generate road-tested metrics on plug-in electric hybrid benefits such as fuel savings, the cost analysis of a retrofit conversion, and overall vehicle performance.

"ALTe is excited to announce this collaboration that will deliver next-generation powertrain hybridization solutions to existing fleets. In so doing, we will drive economic returns for fleet owners and customers, generate massive reductions in gasoline use and contribute to global energy security and environmental stewardship," said John Thomas, CEO and co-founder of ALTe. "The feedback they will provide will help us improve our technology further and gain a better understanding of the real-world use that this fleet vehicle application will undergo."

Club Assist's core business is the supply of automotive batteries, battery testing equipment, automotive glass, alternators, starter motors, marketing programs and collateral, and training to motoring clubs and their members around the globe. A natural extension of these services and products comes from growing technologies in alternative fuel vehicles. The project collaboration with ALTe will allow Club Assist the opportunity to participate in the development of an optimal series electric hybrid powertrain system that will support their operating and sustainability objectives. 

"As a company committed to reducing emissions, lowering dependency on foreign sourced fuel and supporting customers with alternative transportation assistance, Club Assist is looking forward to road testing ALTe's powertrain," said Stuart Davies, CEO and executive president of Club Assist.

Club Assist is a member of ALTe's customer advisory board, established in May 2011. The advisory board consists of many of the nation's leading corporate fleets and will help ALTe address important industry needs as the company prepares to deploy their range-extended electric powertrain into light and medium-size trucks, vans and buses early next year. 

About ALTe:
ALTe is the developer of the first range-extended plug-in electric hybrid powertrain used to repower light commercial vehicles. The system will be retrofit into existing fleet vehicles as well as used in "glider" applications of new vehicles to dramatically increase their fuel economy and lower emissions. Designed to replace a base V-8 internal combustion engine powertrain, the system's patented technology improves fuel economy from 80 percent to 200 percent. Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the company is headquartered in a 185,000 square foot facility where it will assemble its powertrains that will be shipped to installation locations across North America. For more information, visit http://www.altept.com.

About Club Assist:
Australian owned, Club Assist specializes in the supply, storage, distribution and installation of automotive batteries, automotive glass, alternators and starter motors to motoring clubs and their members globally. Club Assist partners with more than 68 motoring clubs worldwide and is supported by more than 500 personnel and 3,500 service providers. Club Assist's mission is to provide automotive clubs and their members with exceptional service anywhere, at any time across the globe. Visit us at: www.clubassist.com. 

SOURCE ALTe Powertrain Technologies; Club Assist