Attention Business Editors:
AFS' Daimler/Chrysler Program Receives Great Customer Feedback
CALGARY, July 31 /CNW/ - CDNX:ATF - High temperatures and steep terrain proved to be a cakewalk for the new Alternative Fuel Systems Inc. (`AFS')
natural gas systems in road tests last week. Customer response to the
performance of the AFS' technology was outstanding following the installation
and stress testing of the first of thousands of the AFS systems set to hit the
road in Iran over the next two years. Last week's performance trials were done
as part of the $6.5 Million purchase agreement between AFS and DaimlerChrysler
licensee, IDEM.
Working together with the OEM, AFS has installed Sparrow systems on
Mercedes engines in new commuter bus chassis. Last week, bus performance was
tested under varying loads and driving conditions. The on-road trials
included steep one-mile uphill climbs, both heavy traffic and open road
driving, and driving with a 6.5 ton load plus passengers. All this was
accomplished while operating in ambient temperatures of 40 degree Celsius and
still maintaining excellent engine performance. In lab tests earlier, the
AFS/Mercedes engine, operating on 100% natural gas, demonstrated higher power
than the base Mercedes diesel engine. It also provided higher torque over the
complete operating range of the engine. Mr. Hassan Agahi, Project
Representative, commenting on last week's road test said, ``The trial proved
to be a complete success.'' Following these accomplishments a celebration was
held in Iran in honour of the successful completion of this phase of the
project. Agahi went on to say that he and others in Iran were ``impressed''
by the AFS system and that members of the AFS team should be ``justifiably
proud of AFS' achievement.''
The next shipment of AFS systems is currently in production with more
than 500 set for delivery by the end of this year. This project was AFS'
first fleet agreement with an OEM and, given the continued support in Iran for
the use of natural gas vehicles, is expected to result in a continued and
expanding demand for AFS systems in the region.
Alternative Fuel Systems Inc (`AFS'), based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada,
is a world leader in innovative natural gas and emission reduction systems and
components. It is publicly traded on the CDNX as `ATF'.
-0- 07/31/2000
For further information: Ms. Paula Kinch, Director, Investor Relations, TEL: (403) 262-1833, FAX: (403) 237-7441, EMAIL: pkinch@AFSGlobal.com, WEBSITE: www.AFSGlobal.com To request a free copy of this organization's annual report please go to www.newswire and click on reports@cnw. |
