Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/132118
Cover Story By Tom Kelley American Power Group Partners with Fitzgerald Glider Kits & WheelTime Network to Debut The First Natural Gas Dual Fuel Glider A merican Power Group Corporation (OTCQB: APGI) recently announced its subsidiary, American Power Group, Inc. ("APG") has partnered with Fitzgerald Glider Kits and the WheelTime Network to offer the nation's first natural gas dual fuel glider. The new natural gas glider made its debut at APG's booth at the Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, Kentucky and will be available beginning June 1, 2013. Lyle Jensen, American Power Group Corporation's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We expect the 2013 Fitzgerald/ APG Dual Fuel Glider to become one of most innovative and exciting new Class 8 vehicles on the road with 20%-30% lower net fuel costs as compared to standard diesel engines and up to 70% lower annual maintenance costs." Mr. Jensen added, "The introduction of a Dual Fuel Glider, coupled with the resources provided by a Fitzgerald/WheelTime Network/APG collaboration, could be the game-changer that accelerates the transition of Class 8 truck fleets to natural gas as an alternative fuel." Fitzgerald Glider A glider kit is basically a new truck delivered without an engine, transmission or accessory components and parts. Fitzgerald works with Freightliner and offers a variety of new model year Columbia and Coronado cab options. Fitzgerald assembles gliders with rebuilt Detroit Series 60 12.7 liter engines from the WheelTime Network and remanufactured transmissions from Eaton Fuller. The benefits of a glider kit are significant. The initial purchase price is typically 25% lower than a new diesel truck. The Detroit Series 60 12.7liter engine, which is rated at 500hp and 1,650 lb-ft torque, was one of the most popular engines of the 1990's, pre-dating the addition of emissions reduction equipment required on later model year engines. There are significantly less maintenance costs and downtime with the Series 60 12.7 liter engine. Additionally, fuel efficiency is typically better, with fuel mileage of up to 7 miles per gallon. The Fitzgerald Glider comes with a three-year, 300,000 mile warranty on both the engine and transmission. APG Dual Fuel Add-On Option By adding APG's V5000 Turbocharged Natural Gas™ System to a Fitzgerald Glider, the fleet owner can realize the additional benefits of today's favorable price spread between diesel fuel and natural gas. Typical net annual fuel savings when operating on APG's patented dual fuel technology range from 20%-30% compared to standard diesel operation. APG will secure "EPA OUL Approval" for the Detroit Series 60 engine family in accordance with the EPA Clean Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Engine Conversion Regulations. APG will market and service the APG Dual Fuel Add-On Option through its recently announced national Wheel- / Owner operator/June 2013 / / 20 OO 0613 edit.indd 20 5/8/13 8:35 AM