IMPCO Automotive, a business unit of Fuel System Solutions, Inc., has received certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its Dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fuel Systems on Ford's 2011 model Transit Connect Van and Wagon with the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine.
Certification for the 2012 model is expected later this fall.
Achieving CARB certification is especially important because several states have either adopted or are in the process of adopting California's strict emissions standards. These states include New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Maryland and Florida.
IMPCO Automotive has previously received certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for this engine and vehicle. This new certification achieves both Federal Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle (ILEV) and California Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) standards, permitting single-occupant access to HOV carpool lanes in California and many other states that provide this dedicated alternative fuel vehicle incentive to motorists.
"We are pleased to continue to expand our offering of products to convert this popular light-duty Ford vehicle platform from gasoline to clean-burning, plentiful, domestic CNG," said Jay Sandler, IMPCO Automotive's Director of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) & Fleet Sales. "Our innovative fuel systems enable fleets and vehicle operators to significantly lower their operating costs and reduce emissions while at the same time avoiding reliance on foreign oil during these times of rising fuel prices."
"IMPCO Automotive is gaining industry recognition as the largest and most cost-effective supplier and installer of certified under hood CNG kits and vehicle fuel systems. We also offer fleet customers and the OEMs turnkey CNG and LPG system installations at our plant in Union City, Indiana and via our network of Distributors / Installers throughout North America," said Rick Nielsen, IMPCO Automotive's President.