Icom North America Earns Eight New EPA Certifications

NEW HUDSON, Mich., May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Icom North America, a leading developer and manufacturer of liquid-injection propane (autogas) systems for commercial and consumer vehicles, has received eight new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifications for its patented JTG II Propane Liquid Injection bi-fuel systems.

The new certifications cover all Ford E-Series vans, Expeditions, Crown Victorias, Lincoln Town Cars and Navigators. The EPA certifications will allow Icom to convert popular fleet vehicles in the U.S. market for propane/autogas bi-fuel use.

Icom's JTG II system is now available for approximately 80 vehicle platforms, the most of any liquid-injection system in the U.S. market.

Icom previously had been awarded 15 EPA certifications: two for Ford 6.8-liter E-Series vehicles and 13 for 2009- through 2011-model-year Ford light-duty trucks equipped with 5.4- and 4.6-liter engines covering E-Series vans, Navigators and Expeditions.

Icom's EPA certifications now cover an estimated one million vehicles, primarily Ford fleet vehicles. The company soon expects to receive additional certifications for Ford vehicles, as well as for GM and Dodge vehicles.

"The 23 industry-leading liquid-injection EPA certifications Icom has achieved to date cover about 80 popular Ford and Lincoln light-truck and car platforms, allowing wide coverage for fleets," Albert Venezio, chairman of Icom North America, said. "Icom JTG II Systems are installed at trained vehicle up-fitters and installation centers nationally through our Icom Distribution Network.

"We are continually adding installers. Further, Icom works closely with propane fuel supply partners for propane fueling and infrastructure for fleets. Fleets across the country are moving to domestic- and green-propane autogas."

JTG II is an industry-leading propane-injection technology currently used by vehicle manufacturers, noted Ralph Perpetuini, CEO and president of Icom North America.

"With increasing customer interest, we estimate that our bi-fuel sales will increase more than 30 percent this year alone," Perpetuini said.

As gasoline prices rise, propane continues to have a cost advantage, with more than 95 percent of the nation's propane coming from the U.S. and the balance from Canadian sources, further reducing dependence on foreign oil.  In certain U.S. states, fleet owners benefit from tax credits or rebates as well.

"We believe propane – a domestic fuel source -- is the most energy-efficient and practical alternative fuel currently available," Perpetuini said. "Icom JTG II bi-fuel systems allow vehicles to operate primarily on propane, with gasoline as a back-up source and for extended range."

Since 2004, Icom North America has been supplying its patented JTG liquid-injection propane mono-fuel systems to leading bus, truck and commercial vehicle manufacturers in the United States. Approximately 150,000 vehicles worldwide have been equipped with the Icom JTG Propane System since 2004. JTG II includes an enhanced multi-valve for rapid filling and an integrated fuel pump for ease of service.

Currently, propane fuel is used primarily on commercial vehicles. Icom's proprietary vehicle-conversion systems also can be used on any gasoline fuel-injected car or truck, including shuttles, vans, hybrids, taxis, police vehicles or passenger cars.

The company's patented JTG liquid-propane injection application is a fully-integrated, mono-fuel or bi-fuel engine system. It is designed specifically for use with OEM gasoline engines. The JTG II system often delivers substantial fuel economy improvements when compared to propane-vapor-injection systems, as well as increased power, torque and performance.

About Icom North America, LLC

Icom North America, LLC, founded in 2004, is a U.S.-based company which designs, develops, manufactures, certifies and integrates the patented Icom JTG Liquid Injection Propane systems and additional Icom products.

Icom offers a total fleet solution including JTG II, JTGhp for Direct Injection, JTG-Dynamic for Diesel engines, numerous tank solutions and designs featuring the patented Torodial Tank for commercial and passenger OEM as well as aftermarket vehicles in North America and selected other markets.

All products utilize a high U.S. content. North American headquarters are in New Hudson, Mich.  Further information is available at: www.icomnorthamerica.com.

SOURCE Icom North America