Dudley Westlake
Autogas Fleet Development Specialist
Autogas Fleet Development Specialist
This month we asked Dudley Westlake of ICOM North America to tell us a bit about himself, how he became interested in alternative fuels and ultimately why he joined ICOM North America. They are our newest coalition members.
How did you get involved in alternative fuels?
I have always enjoyed the business challenges associated with creating and expanding markets. The opportunity to expand the market for alternative fuels in the United States by offering both significant reductions in emissions leading to cleaner, healthier air AND helping public and private fleets reduce their operating expenses is truly a win/win. When the opportunity to join ICOM surfaced, I was excited about it for just those reasons.
I have always enjoyed the business challenges associated with creating and expanding markets. The opportunity to expand the market for alternative fuels in the United States by offering both significant reductions in emissions leading to cleaner, healthier air AND helping public and private fleets reduce their operating expenses is truly a win/win. When the opportunity to join ICOM surfaced, I was excited about it for just those reasons.
Which of your alt fuel products are most popular in Texas? Why?
ICOM has historically focused on Propane Autogas products while also recognizing that in Texas, both Propane Liquid Injection Autogas and CNG fuels are already meeting the needs of fleets that must reduce their emissions or “carbon footprint” and simultaneously reduce operating expenses. We are introducing a dual fuel Natural Gas (CNG-LNG-RNG)/Diesel system this year that has already been well accepted in Canada, Mexico and Europe for larger class 7/8 vehicles. We have partnered with NAT G, based in Houston, as our exclusive dealer in Texas since they already have an established CNG business in the state. According to Dennis Foose, NAT G CEO, “ICOM’s patented liquid injection systems are a perfect complement to our CNG system offerings, and we can now offer our fleet customers both alternative fuels since each has a specific niche.” Texas, as an alternative fuels producing state, also offers grants and subsidies through TCEQ/TERP that can significantly offset the costs for installing systems and get more cleaner running vehicles on the road.
ICOM has historically focused on Propane Autogas products while also recognizing that in Texas, both Propane Liquid Injection Autogas and CNG fuels are already meeting the needs of fleets that must reduce their emissions or “carbon footprint” and simultaneously reduce operating expenses. We are introducing a dual fuel Natural Gas (CNG-LNG-RNG)/Diesel system this year that has already been well accepted in Canada, Mexico and Europe for larger class 7/8 vehicles. We have partnered with NAT G, based in Houston, as our exclusive dealer in Texas since they already have an established CNG business in the state. According to Dennis Foose, NAT G CEO, “ICOM’s patented liquid injection systems are a perfect complement to our CNG system offerings, and we can now offer our fleet customers both alternative fuels since each has a specific niche.” Texas, as an alternative fuels producing state, also offers grants and subsidies through TCEQ/TERP that can significantly offset the costs for installing systems and get more cleaner running vehicles on the road.
What are other advantages of using ICOM’s products?
Another very important feature for fleets that provide essential community services or cover large territories is the extended range available when vehicles are equipped with both gas and alternative fuel systems. During hurricanes and other natural disasters, gas and/or diesel fuel distribution may be compromised. Running what we call “bifuel” systems can double the range of a vehicle. According to Alex Hinojosa, Jr, Vice President of Hinogas. “I selected ICOM for two reasons, first, their liquid injection systems offer better overall vehicle performance and their fuel pump is not located in the tank with the propane. I don’t have to evacuate the tank to service the propane pump.”
Another very important feature for fleets that provide essential community services or cover large territories is the extended range available when vehicles are equipped with both gas and alternative fuel systems. During hurricanes and other natural disasters, gas and/or diesel fuel distribution may be compromised. Running what we call “bifuel” systems can double the range of a vehicle. According to Alex Hinojosa, Jr, Vice President of Hinogas. “I selected ICOM for two reasons, first, their liquid injection systems offer better overall vehicle performance and their fuel pump is not located in the tank with the propane. I don’t have to evacuate the tank to service the propane pump.”
We know you live in California and service New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona and Texas. Can we count on being your favorite state?
Yes! Texas has a special place in my heart because my daughter and her family live in Austin, and the more time I spend in Texas, the more time I get to spend with my 20 month old grandson!
Yes! Texas has a special place in my heart because my daughter and her family live in Austin, and the more time I spend in Texas, the more time I get to spend with my 20 month old grandson!