Icom North America, a developer, integrator and manufacturer of liquid-injection propane systems for commercial and consumer vehicles, has announced an installation program for 140 propane autogas Ford F150 pickup trucks for use by Menards home improvement stores. The vehicles will serve 36 Menards locations throughout Illinois along with the store in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Icom-trained Installer Metro Motors of Cicero, Ill., is performing the installations.

The company recently received 15 new certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) covering nearly 100 different 2012-1013 model year GM and Ford vehicle platforms for its patented JTG II Propane Liquid Injection bi-fuel and dedicated systems. The company plans to launch a Propane Optimization Process (POP) that maximizes propane use by preventing driver override.

“The Icom-Menards project clearly identifies what strides can be made when a large national fleet works in close cooperation with companies like Icom North America, CleanFUEL USA and Ferrellgas,” said Albert Venezio, chairman of Icom North America.

According to Icom, the project will provide Menards significant cost savings. After the vehicles are converted, Menards will consider expanding the program to other Midwest-based stores.

Jeff Abbott, spokesperson for Menards added, “We’re glad to be advancing our company forward into this growing market since propane is a cleaner burning fuel and less expensive, so it’s a win-win for everyone.”