Sears Begins Converting Its Fleet of Service Vans to ROUSH CleanTech Propane Autogas
Seattle-Area Vans First to be Fitted With Technology to Reduce Emissions, Lower Fuel Costs
FEDERAL WAY, Wash.(September 27, 2012) — State legislators and Washington dignitaries, including State Representative Katrina Asay and Federal Way Councilmembers Dini Duclos and Linda Kochmar, recognized the environmental commitment of Sears Holdings during the unveiling of 27 new ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-250 cargo vans fueled by propane autogas, to be deployed in the Sears Home Services(SHS) fleet in Seattle for in-home service and repair visits.
“Propane autogas has proven safe, reliable and environmentally friendly, and we look forward to putting this fuel to work in our fleet,” said Stu Reed, Sears Holdings senior vice president and president, Sears Home Services. “The conversion of 27 of our product repair vans to propane autogas is one of several initiatives we have underway to improve the efficiency of our fleet of 10,000 Home Services vans. If we get the type of efficiencies we expect by converting these vans to ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas we could scale this to all 10,000 service vans. Other environmental steps SHS has taken include: a ‘no idling’ policy and installing ‘economizer’ devices on 4,800 of our service vans to ensure our technicians drive at speeds that optimize fuel efficiency.”
Fueling with propane autogas leads to significant reductions in exhaust emissions with up to 25 percent less greenhouse gases, 20 percent less nitrogen oxide and up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide than gasoline-powered vehicles. Historically, propane autogas costs 30 to 40 percent less per gallon than gasoline and up to 50 percent less than diesel. Vehicles fueled with propane autogas also offer reduced maintenance costs and the potential for extended engine life. In addition, propane autogas refueling infrastructure is less expensive than any other alternative fuel. Ferrellgas installed three 1,000-gallon refueling stations at two Searsfull-line store parking lots and at one parts and repair facility in Seattle, Federal Way and Lacey at no cost.
“The ROUSH and Sears brands are synonymous with quality,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “We are thrilled to forge a partnership with a national retailer renowned for their dedication to their customers, the environment and the products they sell. At ROUSH CleanTech, we hold these ideals in high esteem, and are committed to creating a superior ownership experience for Sears.”
The ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane fuel system, available nationwide on a variety of Ford trucks and vans, delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics, warranty coverage and serviceability through a network of Ford dealerships across the country. All ROUSH CleanTech vehicles carry both Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board certification.
Earlier this year, Sears Holdings won EPA’s highest honor — the “Corporate Commitment Award” for World-Class Programs in Energy Management and Product Retailing. The Sears Home Services van fuel conversion pilot is just one of many initiatives that contribute to a larger focus on environmental suitability at SHC. Additional strategic efforts include a continuous focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering waste generation while maximizing diversion from landfills and optimizing energy reduction efforts across the entire network. SHC is also committed to the effective promotion of sustainable, energy efficient products and services.
About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is a leading integrated retailer with over 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada and the home of ShopYourWay, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through ShopYourWay.com. Sears Holdings is the leading home applianceretailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, fitness equipmentand automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, with a broad appareloffering, including such well-known labels as Lands’ End, the Kardashian Kollection, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as Sofia by Sofia Vergara and The Country Living Home Collection. We are the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually and have a long-established commitment to those who serve in the military through initiatives like the Heroes at Home program. We have been named the 2011 Mobile Retailer of the Year, Recipient of the 2012 ENERGY STAR® “Corporate Commitment Award” for Product Retailing and Energy Management and one of the Top 20 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings’ website at www.searsholdings.com. Twitter: @searsholdings | |Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers
About ROUSH CleanTech
Based in Livonia, Mich., ROUSH CleanTech offers dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium-duty Ford vans and trucks, and for the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision and Micro Bird G5 school bus. Currently offered through authorized Ford dealerships around the country, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics and serviceability with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. Customers can lower operating costs significantly while reducing vehicle emissions. Complete details on ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas offerings can be found online at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.
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