With nearly 200,000 propane autogas vehicles on U.S. roads, and a 700 percent projected growth by 2020, propane autogas technicians to service these vehicles are in high demand, with continued growth projected for the coming years.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium will launch the newly developed Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training at the Blue Bird West facility in Fort Valley, Georgia. NAFTC National and Associate Training Center members will be given first access to the course at the Blue Bird West facility and will utilize the training in their automotive program classrooms across the U.S. Following this initial training session for members, the Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training will be made available to automotive instructors nationwide.

Developed by the NAFTC, this course was made possible through funding from the Propane Education and Research Council.

PERC Vice President, Safety & Training Stuart Flatow commented, “This course will help us to educate the next generation of alternative fuel automotive technicians, in this case propane autogas, as well as communicating how and why the adoption of this new course into current automotive technology curriculums will benefit students, schools and their communities.”

A readily accessible alternative fuel that has been in use for several years, propane autogas is inexpensive, available virtually everywhere, and offers performance comparable to gasoline. It is also a domestic resource, reducing U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources. In the years ahead, there will be an even greater demand for propane autogas technicians. It is important for automotive technicians to know everything currently applicable to propane autogas technology, along with understanding the advances in engine management and emission controls that affect the design and servicing of these systems.

Participants in the three-day Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training will learn how to convert vehicles to run on propane autogas and how to service these vehicles safely, understand the theory of operation and ability to diagnose and repair vapor injected�LPG�systems, and understand the operation and ability to diagnose and repair liquid propane gas systems. This course is designed for automotive instructors, pre- and in-service automotive technicians, and fleet managers.

The Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training is available at the NAFTC headquarters in Morgantown, or at other locations nationwide. The next training session is scheduled for April 12-14 at the NAFTC headquarters. More information, including where and when the training will be conducted, can be obtained by calling 304.293.7882 or visiting www.NAFTC.wvu.edu or www.propaneautogastraining.com.

About the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium
The�National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium�was founded in 1992 and manages education and outreach programs and activities, develops curricula, and conducts training on subject matter related to alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. The�NAFTC�works with universities, community colleges and high schools around the country to develop training programs for dissemination at the local level. The organization consists of approximately 50 National and Associate Training Centers that utilize its curricula and training materials. Numerous other members from small business, government, and industry also support the NAFTC’s mission.

About the Propane Education & Research Council
The Propane Education & Research Councilcx is a check-off program established, operated, and funded by the propane industry. The only energy council of its kind, PERC leads safety and training efforts among propane retailers and consumers and drives technology development to expand adoption of propane as a clean, domestic, and affordable energy source. PERC programs benefit a variety of industries including fleet vehicle management, landscaping, residential and commercial building, agriculture, and material handling.

About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. Since 1927, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Blue Bird provides comprehensive financial solutions through Blue Bird Capital Services. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,500 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of Dealers and Parts & Service facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.

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Jm/02/22/16

CONTACT: Judy Moore, National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium
304-293-7882 (office), Judy.Moore@mail.wvu.edu

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