Quantum Equipped Propane Powered Vans Expand Sales With Infrastructure Growth

CERRITOS, Calif., Feb. 25 IMPCO Technologies, Inc. Quantum's propane vehicle technology is helping launch a new generation of propane-powered vans and a nationwide refueling infrastructure to ensure filling-up is as easy as it is with gasoline. IMPCO products allow internal combustion engines to operate using gaseous fuels.

In a story published in the Denver Post by Dan Luzadder, the article noted:

'A national industry group [the National Propane Gas Association] envisions 100,000 new alternative-fuel vehicles on America's streets within a few years.

Denver is the launch city for a new nationwide distribution infrastructure that will make it as easy to fill up with propane as with gasoline or diesel fuel. Last year CleanFuel USA Inc., joined with Conoco stations in Denver to open five propane-filling pumps at local outlets. The vehicles to be refueled [among others] are the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna -- both are new van designs, which run exclusively on cheaper, more efficient and maintenance-friendly, earth-friendly propane.

``These new vans are the product of a year-and-a-half of work,'' said William Platz, president of the Longmont-based Propane Promotion Coalition Inc., or ProCon, an association of large and small propane marketers and technology companies. ``Quantum Technologies actually came up with the technology for the engine -- we provided the funding and the support,'' Platz said.

The challenge for Quantum, he said, was to develop a propane-burning engine without the problems of other alternative fuels. Tests have shown that the new vehicles can withstand more than 250,000 miles of heavy use with less maintenance than gasoline engines.'

Mr. Robert Stemmler, CEO and chairman of IMPCO Technologies, Inc., said, ``Quantum's sophisticated propane system technology was selected by ProCon because of its durability and reliability in heavy usage applications such as these vans, and combined with a nationwide refueling network will advance the use of propane significantly over the next several years -- Couple the popularity of these van models with the [Federal] government's efforts to enact legislation that supports tax incentives for purchasers of alternative fuel vehicles and you will have a tremendous increase in fleet buyers selecting propane power over other fuels.''

ProCon alternative fuel vehicles are available through select General Motors North American dealerships. In April of 2001, IMPCO announced that Quantum and ProCon were developing and marketing propane powered GM van vehicles.

IMPCO is the leading source of advanced alternative fuel systems technology for internal combustion engines in the industrial, power generation and transportation markets. Headquartered in Cerritos, California, IMPCO has offices in Australia, Europe, India, Japan, Mexico and North America. IMPCO owns 100% of Quantum Technologies, Inc., who filed with the SEC yesterday to spin off its operations. After the spin off, General Motors will have a 20% equity ownership in Quantum.