OSHKOSH, Wis. — Propane autogas school buses are on the ground at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture to transport thousands of visitors for this weeklong aviation celebration. While air shows filled the skies, the alternative-fuel buses, contracted from Kobussen Buses, Ltd., demonstrated the value of emissions-reducing school bus transportation. During the school year, these buses service Oshkosh Area School District.
“It was a natural fit to help out AirVenture’s transportation efforts by using local school buses during the summer downtime,” said Dan Kobussen, vice president of Kobussen Buses. “These innovative propane buses reduce emissions and run on a domestically produced fuel.” Kobussen hopes to attract drivers with these clean, quiet and well-heated alternatively fueled buses.
Equipped with Ford Motor Company’s 6.8L V10 engine, each Blue Bird Vision Propane school bus is powered by a ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system. The propane buses, which during the school year run regular daily routes, reduce nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and virtually eliminate particulate matter, when compared with diesel. Nearly 25 percent of Kobussen Buses’ fleet are propane models.
“Our district partners with EAA to provide students with insight into the history and understanding of aeronautics,” said Susan Schnorr, executive director of business services for Oshkosh Area School District. “We are happy to share our technologically advanced propane buses for their annual event to show attendees that this technology is working for districts every day.”
Along with the propane school buses, ROUSH CleanTech’s sister company, ROUSH Performance, participated in the event by displaying and auctioning off a tribute vehicle commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Inspired by the “Old Crow” P-51 Mustang fighter planes flown by Colonel Bud Anderson during World War II, the Mustang GT includes a Roush / Ford Performance supercharger that pushes the output above 700 horsepower, rather than the stock 460 horsepower. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to EAA’s Aviation Foundation, which encourages and educates the next generation of pilots.
“Roush’s engineering partnership with Ford runs deep with its engines powering our propane buses and ROUSH Mustangs,” said Ryan Zic, vice president of school bus sales for ROUSH CleanTech. “In addition, Roush is FAA-certified to machine components and service vintage aircraft engines. So, we have multiple tie-ins to this event.”
About ROUSH CleanTech
ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of alternative fuel vehicle technology, is a division of Roush Enterprises based in Livonia, Michigan. ROUSH CleanTech designs, engineers, manufactures and installs propane autogas and electric fuel system technology for medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles and school buses, and compressed natural gas fuel systems for school buses. As a Ford QVM-certified alternative fuel vehicle manufacturer, ROUSH CleanTech delivers economical, clean and domestically produced fueling options for fleets across North America. www.ROUSHcleantech.com or 800-59-ROUSH.
