NEW HUDSON, Mich., Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Icom North America, a leading developer, integrator and manufacturer of liquid-injection propane systems for commercial and consumer vehicles, has announced an installation program for 140 propane autogas Ford F150 pickup trucks for use by Menards home improvement stores.

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The vehicles will serve 36 Menards locations throughout Illinois and at Menards' Eau Claire West store in Wisconsin.

Icom North America also recently received 15 new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifications covering more than 100 different 2012-2013 model-year GM and Ford vehicle platforms for its patented JTG II Propane Liquid Injection bi-fuel and dedicated systems.

In addition, Icom is introducing an innovative Propane Optimization Process (POP) that maximizes propane use by preventing driver override.  The option provides optimal savings for commercial fleets, while allowing the use of gasoline in the absence of propane for extended range.

Icom - Menards Project
Icom North America has teamed with Menards on a project to up-fit its JTG II Liquid Injection Propane System on Menards fleet of Ford F150 pickups equipped with a 3.7-liter engine.

The project begins with the up-fitting of vehicles in 36 Illinois stores and one Wisconsin store providing pickups for customer rentals and general store services.  Icom-trained Installer Metro Motors of Cicero, Ill., is performing the installations.

The patented Icom JTG II Liquid Injection Propane System will provide Menards vehicles with excellent performance and drivability, producing significant cost savings for the company. The project will potentially expand to other Midwest-based Menards stores, providing a greener, more efficient fleet for the home improvement retailer committed to using propane as an alternative fuel.

"The Icom-Menards project clearly identifies what strides can be made when a large national fleet works in close cooperation with companies like Icom North America, CleanFUEL USA and Ferrellgas," said Albert Venezio, chairman of Icom North America.

"We're glad to be advancing our company forward into this growing market since propane is a cleaner burning fuel and less expensive, so it's a win-win for everyone," added Jeff Abbott, a Menards spokesperson.                            

EPA Certifications
Icoms' 15 new EPA certifications allow the company to convert popular fleet vehicles in the U.S. market for propane/autogas bi-fuel and certain mono-fuel platforms.

The new certifications cover approximately 100 different 2012- 2013 General Motors and Ford light-duty trucks and SUV platforms with GM 4.8- and 5.3-liter engines and Ford 3.7-, 4.6-, and 5.4-liter engines.

Icom's JTG II system is now available for approximately 600 vehicle platforms, the most of any propane vehicle system in the U.S. market.

Icom's previously awarded  EPA certifications include Ford 6.8-liter E-Series vehicles from 2009- through the 2012-model year; Ford light-duty trucks equipped with 5.4- and 4.6-liter engines covering E-Series vans, Navigators, Expeditions, Crown Victorias, Lincoln Town Cars and Navigators; and 2010-12 GM Chevrolet- and GMC-brand light-duty trucks and SUV platforms with 4.8- and 5.3-liter engines.

Propane Optimization Process
Icom North America's new Propane Optimization Process (POP) option will help fleet operators reduce fuel costs.

POP enables vehicles to function with gasoline as a backup for extended range.  It eliminates manual override to gasoline while propane is still present on board.

"Fleets benefit from maximum use of inexpensive clean propane," said Icom's Venezio. "Icom Liquid Injection, bi-fuel and POP are a winning combination for fleets."

Ralph Perpetuini, CEO of Icom North America, also noted that "Propane is the most viable and interesting automotive alternative fuel available on the market today.

"The Icom technology will allow fleets to have the leading edge not only in terms of performance and reliability, but also have the benefit of immediate savings and greener environment."

As gasoline prices rise, propane continues to have a cost advantage, with more than 95 percent of the nation's propane coming from U.S sources.

Since 2004, Icom North America has been supplying its patented JTG liquid-injection propane 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 in the US.  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 patented Icom JTG Liquid Injection Propane systems and additional 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 OEMs as well as aftermarket vehicles in North America and selected other markets.

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

About Menards
Menards is well-known throughout the Midwest for their complete selection of high-quality, name-brand merchandise and tools, materials and supplies for all home improvement needs.  For the beginning do-it-yourselfer or the more experienced contractor, there is something for everyone at Menards from just needing a light bulb or can of paint to building a deck or new home.  As always, Menards is known for its excellent guest service and is the place to "Save Big Money."  To locate a nearby store, visit www.menards.com.

SOURCE Icom North America