febrero 2021 – Página 91

Steam Cleaning Fortador USA Brings Uptime, Efficiency and Style to RideKleen

MIAMI, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Since 2013, RideKleen has been delivering mobile vehicle steam cleaning on public streets and in parking garages to fleets across the U.S.

«We take the mobile systems and go wherever the customer needs us to go. This customer service is important to us,» explains RideKleen Founder and President Pratik Patel.

While its initial success was further solidified by its acquisition by Cox Automotive (owner of Manheim),…

MIAMI, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Since 2013, RideKleen has been delivering mobile vehicle steam cleaning on public streets and in parking garages to fleets across the U.S.

«We take the mobile systems and go wherever the customer needs us to go. This customer service is important to us,» explains RideKleen Founder and President Pratik Patel.

While its initial success was further solidified by its acquisition by Cox Automotive (owner of Manheim), the company faced a looming challenge: It’s steam cleaning equipment.

Patel says the machines and the vendors that supplied them in the past had a number of issues, including:

Equipment needing lots of maintenance, which resulted in excessive non-productive, and costly downtime.
Vendors not having adequate customer support.
Outdated and/or not regularly updated or improved equipment.

Patel and his team looked for a better, more reliable machine and they found it in Fortador USA. «When we started to explore Fortador Car Steam Cleaners as an option, we found it was a much better built machine,» he says.

Implementing Fortador Steamers
RideKleen began using the Fortador steam cleaning solution in 2020, and has about five machines throughout the organization.

«We didn’t go all in at the beginning — we wanted to test them out first,» Patel says. «What we are seeing already is better reliability.»

Powered by a Lamborghini-built burner, the Fortador steam cleaning system is a portable, self-contained cleaning unit that thoroughly cleans and sanitizes vehicles in a few minutes.

Because it uses steam and gentle detergents, the non-touch Fortador steam cleaning system will not damage exterior or interior surfaces. The self-contained equipment doesn’t draw water from water lines, so you will not have to get a permit to begin using it. The hand-built burner also saves thousands annually in fuel costs alone.

Fortador’s portability was a key benefit for RideKleen. Because the company goes to its fleet customers to clean their vehicles, RideKleen needs a mobile unit that can be easily transported in the company’s trucks. With the previous solutions, this meant the unit had to be unloaded from the truck to do the work and loaded back on it when the job was done — a time-consuming and physical job for the cleaning crew.

This has been eliminated by Fortador.

«Here, Fortador was a little more innovative — they have a retrofit system — it’s a system in the vehicle on a rack system, so we can actually run the steamer in the truck,» explains Patel, noting that there are no issues with venting the exhaust, since the rack system allows the unit to be extended out of the cargo area.

RideKleen’s clients, which range from ride and car share companies to delivery companies, have been uniformly impressed by steam cleaning, although Patel admits they haven’t necessarily commented on the switch to Fortador products.

But what they like is the efficiency — a vehicle can be cleaned in 20 to 30 minutes with little water waste and no harsh or toxic chemicals. «The more efficient we get, the more efficiency we pass onto the client,» Patel says. «The better the equipment, the better the service we can provide.»

Patel notes that steam cleaning as a service «sells itself,» and, because it doesn’t use water or soap, always attracts the attention of passersby. Fortador has helped catch many more eyes since RideKleen was added it to the mix.

«The Fortador units look a lot more refreshed and modern, and clients and potential clients see us using the latest and greatest,» Patel says. «Even for employees, they want to be using these, because they look so nice. Your eyes just gravitate to the units. It makes a difference.»

Particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, more fleets are adopting steam cleaning as an alternative to traditional soap and water processes.

«Steam has always been known to be a natural disinfectant,» Patel says. «It gives clients peace of mind. A lot of what we’re seeing has been heightened because of COVID. Post-COVID people will now be educated about how dirty their vehicles are.»

The Benefits Add Up
It’s not just having an eye-catching unit that has made Fortador the right choice for RideKleen. The steam cleaning unit has delivered everything Patel was looking for.

These benefits include:

Better uptime and reliability.
Improved costs, due particularly to less regular maintenance.
Saving technician time due to better uptime; technicians spend less time switching out units for repairs.
Technician friendly equipment; the Fortador solution is easier to use than RideKleen’s previous vendors’ units.

Looking Ahead
As a member of the Cox Automotive family, RideKleen has begun working with the Manheim auctions to introduce steam cleaning during the vehicle prep process.

The auctions use traditional pressure washing, which takes about 35 gallons of water per vehicle compared to Fortador steam cleaning, which uses just one gallon.

«We’re working with Manheim to become more water neutral,» says Patel, adding that several auctions, including one in Canada, have begun using Fortador steam cleaning units. «We meet all environmental requirements. Steam cleaning has always been about keeping the environment safe.»

The multi-year project could save significant resources and costs, since Manheim operates more than 200 physical vehicle auctions worldwide. As part of the overall company’s sustainability efforts, Cox has made a pledge to become more water neutral over the years to come.

And Fortador will be part of this ambitious and achievable goal. «As we need to order more units, we’ll be adding more Fortador units and plan to make it our preferred machine,» Patel says.

ABOUT FORTADOR STEAMERS
Fortador is the European manufacturer of best-in-class mobile and stationary steam cleaners for professionals. The company has produced the first 16 bar or 232 PSI steam cleaning machine, all-in-one Fortador Pro Plus, which allows three operators to work independently. The solution cleans and washes upholstery, disinfects, and delivers two detergents of your choice with the steam. The diesel hybrid power plant is bult by Lamborghini Caloreclima and boasts fuel consumption of just 0.6L per hour. For more information go to https://www.Fortador-USA.com.

Media Contact

Lev Tretyakov, Fortador Steamers USA, +1 3059858966, leo@fortador-usa.com

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SOURCE Fortador Steamers USA

Channel Capital lanza empresa de servicios de gobernanza extraterritorial bajo la dirección de Mark Cook

SÍDNEY y GEORGE TOWN, Gran Caimán, 22 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Channel Capital Pty Ltd. (Channel), una compañía australiana líder en gestión de inversiones múltiples que administra más de AUD 16,000 millones en activos, creó recientemente Channel Capital Cayman, una empresa de servicios de gobernanza extraterritorial con sede en las Islas Caimán.

<img id="prnejpgcec8left" title="Mark Cook, director ejecutivo de…

Mark Cook, director ejecutivo de Channel Capital Cayman

La empresa estará dirigida por Mark Cook, director con vasta experiencia en las Islas Caimán y en fondos de inversión. Su enfoque se centrará en crear y operar fondos de inversión con domicilio en los Estados Unidos, las Islas Caimán y otros centros financieros extraterritoriales, al igual que en asegurar el cumplimiento permanente de obligaciones regulatorias, incluidas las leyes contra el lavado de dinero y la transparencia fiscal.

Desde su llegada a las Islas Caimán en 2005, Mark ha trabajado con varias administradoras de fondos e instituciones financieras de renombre internacional. Después de calificar como contador público en Australia y ejercer en el sector público durante más de 10 años, obtuvo experiencia en administración de fondos con Citco Fund Services en las Islas Caimán, y desde 2008 ha desempeñado cargos directivos en fondos de inversión.

Islas Caimán es líder a nivel mundial en creación de fondos de inversión extraterritoriales gracias a su neutralidad fiscal, la estabilidad de su economía, un sector bancario sofisticado y su industria profesional de servicios financieros. Cerca del 70 % de los fondos de inversiones alternativas gestionadas por consultores registrados ante la SEC de los Estados Unidos, que no están domiciliados en ese país, tienen su domicilio en las Islas Caimán.

«Estamos muy entusiasmados por asociarnos con Mark en las Islas Caimán», expresó Glen Holding, cofundador y director administrativo de Channel. «Consideramos esta una extensión natural al respaldo y control que tradicionalmente hemos ofrecido a las administradoras de fondos en Australia, y es consecuente con nuestra estrategia de construir una plataforma global capaz de apoyar a las administradoras de inversiones y a sus clientes en las principales jurisdicciones».

Mark Cook, director ejecutivo de Channel Capital Cayman, comentó: «Islas Caimán sigue siendo, con gran ventaja, la jurisdicción más popular para fondos de cobertura, de capital de riesgo y de infraestructuras. Estoy muy entusiasmado por trabajar con el equipo de Channel y potenciar la plataforma que ellos han desarrollado. Puedo anticipar diferentes oportunidades en todo el espectro de servicios de gobernanza y de asistir de manera más integral las necesidades comerciales de las administradoras de inversiones».

Acerca Channel Capital

Creada en 2013, Channel cuenta con 30 empleados en Sídney, Brisbane, Melbourne y Gran Caimán, y actualmente está asociada con ocho firmas de gestión de inversiones. Channel ofrece servicios empresariales operacionales y responsables de incubación y distribución para un selecto grupo de firmas de gestión de inversiones y sus clientes en el campo de inversión institucional, de empresa familiar, de alto patrimonio neto y por consultoría. CIML, subsidiaria de Channel, ofrece servicios empresariales responsables a un conjunto limitado de fondos. https://www.channel.capital

Contactos para los medios
Para Channel Capital:	Para Channel Capital Cayman:
Angela Dovitsas	Mark Cook
Channel Capital	Channel Capital Cayman
Cel.: +61 417 277 683	Cel.: +1 345 325 2540
angela.dovitsas@channelcapital.com.au	mark.cook@channelcapital.ky

Fotografía: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1441725/Mark_Cook.jpg

FUENTE Channel Capital

El primero de los últimos vehículos de hidrógeno «Mirai» de Toyota debuta en California

– El primero de los últimos vehículos de combustible de hidrógeno «Mirai» de Toyota debuta en Lancaster, California

LANCASTER, Calif., 22 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — En asociación con la ciudad de Lancaster, Lex Heslin, desarrollador sénior de proyectos en Hitachi Zosen Inova, la firma suiza/japonesa de energía e ingeniería, fue el primero de un afortunado puñado de automovilistas en realizar la entrega del nuevo Vehículo Eléctrico de Pila de Combustible (FCEV) «Mirai» 2021 en Estados Unidos este mes. Heslin está trabajando actualmente con la ciudad de Lancaster para avanzar en sus planes para convertirse en la primera ciudad de hidrógeno y expandir el mercado de vehículos eléctricos de hidrógeno.

Green energy project developer Lex Heslin surveys Antelope Valley with his new generation hydrogen-powered Toyota.

Lancaster ha sido pionera en energía verde durante más de una década. El alcalde R. Rex Parris declaró: «Nuestras alternativas energéticas actuales no son suficientes para alcanzar nuestros objetivos. Vemos el hidrógeno como una solución viable que reducirá las emisiones de carbono no sólo para nuestros residentes sino para todos, mejorando el aire que respiramos, proporcionando energía segura y fiable y creando empleos calificados dentro de la industria».

Este último modelo de Mirai, que significa «futuro» en japonés, está construido sobre la plataforma GA-L de tracción trasera del sedán Lexus LS más grande. Esto permite un mayor almacenamiento de hidrógeno, con lo que el rango estimado por la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) del coche es de más de 300, un aumento del 30 por ciento con respecto al Mirai de primera generación de tracción delantera. El sistema de pila de combustible también ha sido rediseñado para ofrecer más potencia entregada a las llantas de aleación de 20 pulgadas.

Como miembros de la California Fuel Cell Partnership, la Ciudad de Lancaster colabora con socios en actividades que avanzan en la tecnología que tiene como objetivo expandir el mercado de vehículos eléctricos de pilas de combustible propulsados por hidrógeno para ayudar a crear un futuro más limpio y más diverso energéticamente con vehículos sin concesiones de cero emisiones.

«El Mirai es la prueba de que el hidrógeno funciona», dijo Heslin. «Tiene un alcance mucho más largo que cualquiera de los vehículos eléctricos (EV) actuales y sólo necesita minutos para llenarse en comparación con las baterías de carga, que pueden llevar horas. California cuenta actualmente con 45 estaciones de servicio de hidrógeno (H²). Esa cifra aumentará a 100 en 2023, con planes de superar las 1.000 estaciones para 2030″.

Evolución del hidrógeno en el transporte comercial

«El escaparate Mirai en Lancaster representa un salto considerable hacia adelante, en línea con la misión crítica de descarbonizar el planeta rápidamente», dijo el alcalde R. Rex Parris. «Los vehículos eléctricos con batería (BEV) son una importante tecnología de cero emisiones. Desafortunadamente, se basan en la red eléctrica, que depende en gran medida de los combustibles fósiles. Una mayor adopción de grandes vehículos eléctricos comerciales para el transporte de mercancías y personas, sin embargo, requeriría baterías de litio más grandes que iniciarían una serie de nuevos problemas ambientales. La aplicación que cambia el juego para el hidrógeno es el transporte de larga distancia y de servicio pesado», dijo el alcalde Parris. «Imagínese camiones autónomos de cero emisiones que pueden cruzar el país con solo unas pocas paradas rápidas para repostar».

Por el contrario, el hidrógeno (H²) tiene una densidad de energía mucho mayor que la energía almacenada en las baterías de los vehículos eléctricos. El H² se puede almacenar en grandes cantidades durante largos períodos de tiempo con capacidad de recuperación bajo demanda. El combustible también se integra en infraestructuras existentes como gasoductos y centrales eléctricas como alternativa al gas natural a base de fósiles.

«El hidrógeno proporciona una solución factible al desafío de la descarbonización ahora», dijo Heslin, cuya firma desarrolla proyectos de energía limpia e infraestructura en todo el mundo, incluyendo una instalación de residuos de digestión anaeróbica (AD) en la ciudad de Lancaster. Heslin también está asesorando a la ciudad en la primera micro-red municipal alimentada con hidrógeno del país que proporciona generación y almacenamiento de hidrógeno para la resiliencia, la gestión de energía y el ahorro de costes. «El hidrógeno es el próximo combustible importante para el mundo y pronto veremos mucho más. En Lancaster, será muy pronto».

Foto – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1441488/LexHeslin_Mirai.jpg

The Originators Of Glamping Introduce The Perfect Buyout Escape With the green o™: A Sophisticated Woodland Hideaway In Montana

GREENOUGH, Mont., Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Created by the founders of The Resort at Paws Up and set in the heart of Montana’s Blackfoot River Valley, the green o is slated to open on June 1, 2021, as a year-round, off-the-grid contemporary luxury retreat, primed for small-group buyouts. An array of customizable itineraries ideal for intimate weddings, milestone celebrations, incentive retreats, family office meetings, private board meeting getaways and more will be available.

Designed for maximum privacy and seclusion, the green o will offer exclusive experiences in 12 design-forward accommodations—from the elevated Tree Haus to the Green Haus with a rooftop deck perfect for stargazing, the Round Haus with a sunken living room and the Light Haus with a glass-enclosed bedroom. Each Haus features floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views of the Montana wilderness. With the ability to host up to 24 guests, this new forest hideaway will celebrate the heritage of Montana with architecture, cuisine and curated guest experiences inspired by the land. Each Haus comes equipped with a personal Lexus luxury SUV to explore the 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch.

The attentive resort team can fully customize buyout itineraries, with unfettered access to the nearby amenities of Paws Up—or the ability to remain completely separate from The Resort. Anything that can be dreamed up can be executed, from live-fire cooking sessions to private horseback trail rides, authentic Western cattle drives, s’mores around the campfire or live music cocktail hours. If they so choose, groups are invited to push the limits of their bodies, minds and spirits by engaging in 50+ thrilling activities to invigorate them or keep them centered, such as ATV tours, rappelling, forest bathing and spa treatments (either under canvas or in-Haus). the green o is a hidden gem designed for groups seeking the perfect blend of adventure and serenity.

At the center of the green o will be a freestanding private restaurant venue (the Social Haus), including a lounge area, a dining area, an open kitchen concept and panoramic views of the unspoiled forest. With menus that will be catered specifically to the needs of each guest in-house, the green o kitchen will serve small, shareable plates, with nourishing entrees and artful desserts created by Executive Chef Brandon Cunningham. Meals will be focused around creative and healthy ingredients and include a rich variety of seasonal favorites.

Rates for buyouts of the green o start at $11,000/night in the spring season, $23,000/night in summer and $12,000/night in fall and winter. This includes airport transfers and on-property transportation. For reservations or more information, please visit https://www.thegreeno.com and to reach our Group Sales representatives Laura Crugnale, JJ Barlow and Samantha Lange, call 888-957-9919.

About the green o
the green o is located in the remote township of Greenough, Montana—35 miles northeast of Missoula, Montana. The resort lies at the southern edge of the expansive 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch, which is also home to The Resort at Paws Up—an adventure resort well known for its luxury homes and for pioneering glamping in North America. the green o is located just a 35-minute drive from Missoula International Airport (MSO), which features a number of major airlines and daily flights. There are direct and one-stop flights from many major cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Oakland, Orange County, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Ana and Seattle. Many guests take private flights into MSO. Round-trip transportation between the airport and the green o is included in all room rates, as well as all on-property transportation.

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SOURCE the green o

1863 Ventures Launches 3Rs Business Development Program with Funding from Capital One and The Rockefeller Foundation

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — 1863 Ventures has launched 3Rs – Recovery, Rebuild, Resilience – business development program with funding from Capital One and The Rockefeller Foundation.

In light of the detrimental effects COVID-19 has caused in communities of color, 1863 Ventures launched the 3Rs program to empower Black founders through an online curated business development curriculum, business coaching, and monetary grants. The program helps Black businesses navigate the short-term uncertainty of the pandemic, while reevaluating their business models, pivoting where necessary, setting a targeted growth strategy, and executing with a clear roadmap.

Through its partnership with Capital One, 1863 Ventures is providing 100 Black businesses incorporated in the District of Columbia with curated online business development content, $5,000 grants and 3-months of business coaching.

Through funding from The Rockefeller Foundation, 1863 Ventures is providing an additional 1,400 Black businesses across 14 cities in the United States with the same opportunity and grant awards. The respective cities are:

Oakland, CA
Chicago, IL
Newark, NJ
Louisville, KY
Baltimore, MD
El Paso, TX
Gainesville, FL
Boston, MA
Houston, TX
Miami-Dade, FL
Norfolk, VA
Atlanta, GA
Jackson, MI
DC Metropolitan Region (DMV)

«1863 Ventures is humbled to work with Capital One and The Rockefeller Foundation to help Black entrepreneurs in place. Black entrepreneurs were the hardest hit during the pandemic but received the lowest levels of investment to survive,» said Melissa Bradley, Founder and Managing Partner of 1863 Ventures. «This program is important because Black businesses are the fastest growing segment of the nation’s small business owners. According to a report by the Center for Global Policy Solutions, ‘America is currently forgoing an estimated 1.1 million businesses owned by people of color because of past and present discrimination in American society. These missing businesses could produce an estimated 9 million more jobs and boost our national income by $300 billion.’ Investing in these businesses is not just a moral imperative but an economic one for Black communities and this country.»

Although 3Rs DC with Capital One commenced in November 2020, the program is open through June 1, 2021. 1863 Ventures hopes to not only have this program serve as a quick avenue to provide development coaching and grants to entrepreneurs in DC, but to also continue to build its long-term support of Black owned businesses in the Nation’s Capital.

For participants in The Rockefeller Foundation based cities, the business development portal is now open. Grant funding for these cities is expected to commence at the beginning of April 2021.

1863 Ventures Chief Operating Officer, Danny Wright says «now is a pivotal point in time for the world of philanthropy to truly accept the challenge of funding opportunities that foster generational wealth and economic mobility for communities that have been most marginalized in our country. Without organizations actually putting the necessary level of funding behind their missions and like causes, poverty will always exist, regardless of how wealth our nation is on paper.»

1863 Ventures is welcoming additional funding partners that can help expand grant awards to other hard-hit communities across the United States. Further, 1863 Ventures welcomes community partners that can help disseminate the program information to businesses that can benefit from the 3Rs program.

About 1863 Ventures

1863 Ventures is the #1 national business development nonprofit for New Majority Entrepreneurs; individuals who have been historically marginalized (e.g. BIPOC). The DC based non-profit organization’s mission is to create $100 billion in New Wealth, by and for New Majority Entrepreneurs, by 2030. The organization was founded by Melissa Bradley, entrepreneur, VC investor and Georgetown University associate professor. This year, 1863 Ventures will support over 1,500 New Majority entrepreneurs across the United States, through programming and grant support. Learn more at 1863ventures.net.

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SOURCE 1863 Ventures

Alternative Fueling Leader U.S. Gain Leverages AMPLY Power for Electric Vehicle Fleet Charging Solution

APPLETON, Wis., Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. Gain, a leader in the development and distribution of alternative fuel and renewable energy, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with AMPLY Power, a leader in commercial electric vehicle charging. Together, the companies will offer turnkey, cost-effective charging solutions for the growing number of electrified fleets throughout the United States and Canada.

Rooted in transportation, U.S. Gain has built an extensive portfolio within the renewable natural gas (RNG) industry – with more than 25 development projects, 50 public and private fueling stations, more than 100 independent distribution points and several thermal energy supply agreements. Although RNG offers tremendous value to transportation-related emissions, U.S. Gain is confident that a polyfuel approach will be widely embraced by fleets and therefore, is excited to add electric supply and charging to its suite of Sustainable Energy Solutions^SM.

«We look forward to assisting fleets in their transition to any alternative fuel, and with regard to electric, think we can bring value to solve the infrastructure dilemma faced by so many,» commented Jon Summersett, director of product management at U.S. Gain. «Figuring out where and when to charge can be complex and feel overwhelming, but with the combined expertise of AMPLY Power and U.S. Gain, the process will be efficient, affordable and seamless. AMPLY Power is tenured in commercial fleet charging and electrical energy consumption while we bring knowledge specific to electric supply and credit generation. Further, U.S. Gain can assist fleets with other alternative fueling supply and infrastructure needs – spanning from natural gas, electric, hydrogen, propane, biodiesel and renewable diesel.»

AMPLY Power is focused on transforming commercial fleet infrastructure by removing the challenges, surprises and the learning curve that fleet operators often face when switching to electricity as a fuel. Their expertise removes the risk of time-of-use and demand-charge driven pricing variances, while offering real-time energy-flow management technology to keep fleets charged at the best cost. Together, U.S. Gain and AMPLY Power will enable commercial fleets to benefit from predictable, affordable energy charges.

«AMPLY’s Charging-as-a-Service solutions, incorporating our patent-pending Charge Management System, deliver a cost-efficient and reliable downstream fueling service for electric fleets,» said Vic Shao, Founder and CEO of AMPLY Power. «We are excited to extend this offering through U.S. Gain’s upstream and renewable energy experience so that their customers can become polyfuel consumers–our combined expertise delivering a simplified migration to zero-emission fleets.»

Additionally, further value can be derived from electric charging through credit generation. U.S. Gain has been generating and monetizing credits under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) since the program’s inception. They have done this for nearly all eligible fuel types including renewable natural gas, renewable diesel, biodiesel, ethanol and propane. Their large volume of transactions, relationships with regulated parties seeking credits and experience with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) maximizes credit values for their fueling and charging customers.

«While our primary business is rooted in natural gas, at U.S. Gain, we believe in the value proposition a polyfuel future offers and are crafting a portfolio of sustainable energy solutions to reflect that,» said Mike Koel, president of U.S. Gain. «A partnership with AMPLY Power is the most appropriate next step in our expansion, satisfying the growing need for efficient commercial charging solutions. We’re excited to bring our expertise of electricity supply and credit generation to the table, strengthening the economic value proposition for fleets.»

As transit agencies, schools, refuse companies, municipalities, shippers and carriers adopt polyfuel strategies inclusive of electrification, U.S. Gain and AMPLY Power offer the best path to environmental and economic success.

About U.S. Gain
U.S. Gain is a leader in development and distribution of alternative fuel and renewable thermal energy. Over the past 10 years we’ve diversified throughout the renewable natural gas supply chain, becoming vertically integrated to provide the cleanest fuel and energy at the best value. We’re developing renewable natural gas at farms, landfills and wastewater treatment plants to reduce emissions for sustainably driven organizations. Further, we continue to build out a platform of alternative fuel solutions that enable the polyfuel future fleets demand. Backed by the strength and size of U.S. Venture, Inc., a leading provider of transportation products and insight driving the world forward, we are committed to finding a better way to succeed, by offering unrivaled expertise, tenacity and character in all we do. To learn more, visit www.usgain.com.

About AMPLY Power
Fleet charging, Simplified. AMPLY Power provides Charging-as-a-Service to de-risk and accelerates the adoption of electric buses, trucks, and passenger vehicles by public and private fleets through its simple price-per-mile-driven model. AMPLY Power provides a fully managed charging solution that enables municipal and commercial fleets to deploy electric vehicles confidently and without hassles. AMPLY Power handles all aspects of charging operations on behalf of fleet owners, and AMPLY Power’s charging systems are optimized for the lowest electricity costs.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alternative-fueling-leader-us-gain-leverages-amply-power-for-electric-vehicle-fleet-charging-solution-301232577.html

SOURCE U.S. Gain

2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance: The IS Sports Sedan, Unleashed

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Last year’s reimagined front-engine rear-wheel-drive IS struck the perfect balance of sportiness and sophistication, making it the best IS to date. However, Chief Engineer Naoki Kobayashi and his team at Lexus International have been working on something truly special exclusively for the North American market. Enter the first-ever Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance, which dials up the sports sedan formula to eleven with the addition of a powerful 472-horsepower naturally aspirated V8 engine and ferocious quad exhaust system. It expands the IS family and ushers in a new era of F SPORT Performance models that will appeal to passionate driving enthusiasts that crave higher levels of performance over the standard F SPORT models.

A Rare Breed: Lexus F SPORT Performance Line
As the first model in the new Lexus F SPORT Performance line, the IS 500 engine provides a boost in displacement and performance over the IS 350’s 3.5-liter V6. With a push of the engine start button, its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine roars to life, providing a not-so-subtle reminder that something special lies beneath its raised hood. The IS 500 has a maximum output of 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Despite the drastically more powerful engine, the vehicle tips the scales at 3,891 pounds, gaining only 143 pounds of additional curb weight over the standard IS 350 F SPORT. The IS 500 is capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and has a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg highway rating. Other IS 500 performance enhancements include a throaty quad exhaust system with dual stacked tail pipes that perfectly amplify the new V8 engine. This exhaust not only sounds ferocious, but is inspired by F models, like the RC F.

IS 500 uses the same the same eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission found in the IS 300 and IS 350 RWD models. It also features drive mode select Sport S and Sport S+, which provides advanced engine and transmission mapping to enhance performance. Sport S+ also adjusts the amount of EPS steering assist and damping force to deliver sportier handling to match the updated powertrain settings. Custom Mode is also available, offering multiple combinations for powertrain (Normal/Eco/Power), chassis (Normal/Sport) and air conditioner (Normal/Eco).

Starting with the 2022 IS 500, Lexus F SPORT Performance models will come adorned with unique black badging on the sides to distinguish it from F models.

Building on Lexus Driving Signature
The new 2021 IS launched an era of vehicles developed at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama with a uniform Lexus Driving Signature. Since Lexus launched, the tactile feel, behavior, and execution for each model has been driven by the vision and efforts of the Chief Engineer. Moving forward, the efforts of the CE will be focused on elevating the vehicles to a new standard of performance and handling as developed by Lexus International President and Chief Branding Officer Koji Sato and Master Driver and Brand Holder Akio Toyoda. The ultimate goal is to deliver a new generation of Lexus vehicles that is more balanced, refined in control, and confident than ever before. Linear steering, brake responses, and optimized handling with exceptional ride quality is the result of heightened focus on tuning of the chassis and its interactions with the control surfaces through diligent evaluation at a test facility unlike any other.

The all-new IS 500 builds on the improvements made to the 2021 IS with a focus on delivering confidence and a linear connection between driver and vehicle. The IS 500 will come standard with the IS RWD F SPORT’s Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and a Torsen^® limited slip differential (LSD) that improves handling and performance thanks to enhanced traction when cornering or exiting turns. The LSD helps maintain straight-line stability as well. Engineers have also improved the IS chassis performance with the addition of a Yamaha^® rear performance damper. This damper reduces dynamic structural distortion, delivering increased comfort at low speeds, and additional stability and agility at high speeds. Brake cooling enhancements have also been made over the standard IS 350 F SPORT with additional aerodynamic cooling and larger 14.0-inch two-piece aluminum front rotors and 12.7-inch rear rotors.

The Devil’s in the Details
The IS 500 features subtle exterior enhancements to help set it apart from the standard IS 350 F SPORT. The hood has been raised nearly 2 inches and receives sculpted center character lines, while the front bumper and fenders have been lengthened to help accommodate the vehicle’s naturally aspirated V8 muscle. IS 500 will come standard with exclusive 19-inch split-10-spoke Enkei alloy wheels. Not only are they beautiful and intricate, the wheels are approximately 1-pound lighter per wheel in front and 2 pounds lighter per wheel in the rear, compared to the standard 19-inch F SPORT wheel. Other exterior updates include a revised lower rear diffuser accent that accentuates the quad exhaust system, as well as dark chrome window trim. Tying these visual and performance cues together is the black IS F SPORT rear lip spoiler.

Inside, drivers are greeted with black F SPORT Performance badging on the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and door sill scuff plates. It also comes standard with the IS F SPORT accelerator pedal, brake pedal and footrest, but the combination instrumentation meter receives an updated startup animation that is exclusive to IS 500.

Enhanced Lexus Safety System+
The IS 500 inherits the updated Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 recently launched on the 2021 IS. A number of key features that are part of the Lexus Safety System+ have been enhanced, along with the addition of a few new features.

For starters, the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which include Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, features an enhancement to the lens camera and millimeter-wave radar elements to expand the response range. By enhancing the radar and camera capabilities it is now possible for the system to help detect not only the vehicle ahead but also a preceding bicyclist in daytime and even a preceding pedestrian in daytime and low-light conditions. At intersections, the system has the capability under certain conditions to recognize an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian when performing a left-hand turn and is designed to activate typical PCS functions if needed. Additional PCS functions include Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), which is designed to assist steering within the vehicle’s lane as cued by the driver.

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) can be activated above 30 mph and is designed to perform vehicle-to-vehicle distance controls down to 0 mph and can resume from a stop. DRCC also includes a new feature that allows for smooth overtaking of slower vehicles. If traveling behind a vehicle going slower than the preset speed, once the driver engages the turn signal, the system will provide an initial increase in acceleration in preparation for changing lanes and; after the driver changes lanes, the vehicle will continue acceleration until it reaches the original preset driving speed.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) is designed to help notify the driver if it senses an inadvertent lane departure at speeds above 32 miles per hour via steering wheel vibrations or audible alert. It can also take slight corrective measures to help keep the driver within the visibly marked lane. When DRCC is set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is designed to provide slight steering force to help steer to the center of the lane to assist the driver with staying in the lane using visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle. LTA alerts the driver with a visual warning and either an audible alert or steering wheel vibration. In the new IS, the lane recognition performance, which makes LTA possible, has been improved with enhanced recognition of line and road edge, lateral G performance, and enhanced control and stability after lane change.

Additional Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 features include Intelligent High Beams, which detects preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switches between high beam and low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist (RSA) is designed to acquire certain road sign information using a camera and navigation maps when data is available and displays them on the multi-information display (MID).

Lexus Enform for Safety and Convenience
Lexus Enform Safety Connect comes with a three-year trial with access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365. With Lexus Enform Service Connect, complimentary for the first 10 years, the vehicle can send alerts for specific factory recommended maintenance while simultaneously alerting a preferred Lexus dealer. In addition, the Lexus App allows guests to do everything from starting their vehicle remotely with a smartphone, to contacting dealers for a service appointment, and much more. With an active subscription, the Lexus App dashboard provides a personalized view of convenient vehicle and connected service information, including the Vehicle Health Report, scheduled maintenance and vehicle health alerts. Guests also can manage their subscriptions right from the palm of their hand.

More information regarding MSRP, options, exterior and interior color choices will be made available closer to launch. The all-new 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Performance is expected to arrive in dealerships later this Fall.

Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 243 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models, one F SPORT Performance model and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

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Note to Editors: Lexus product information and images are available online via our news media web site http://LexusNewsroom.com.

Media Contact
Ryan Matsumoto
469-292-6121
Ryan.Matsumoto@Lexus.com

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SOURCE Lexus

Alternative Fueling Leader U.S. Gain Leverages AMPLY Power for Electric Vehicle Fleet Charging Solution

SOURCE U.S. Gain

MUFG Union Bank Launches Green Deposits in the United States

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — MUFG Union Bank, N.A., today announced that it has launched Green Deposits for commercial and corporate clients to support sustainable projects that benefit the environment.

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Available in the United States, Green Deposits give clients the opportunity to invest their deposits in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) projects. MUFG will use the deposited funds to finance ESG projects such as energy efficiency; renewable energy; green transport; sustainable food, agriculture, and forestry; waste management; and greenhouse gas reduction, among others.

«Our new Green Deposits offering aligns with our clients’ commitment to the environment by embracing social responsibility and sustainable investing,» said Ranjana Clark, Head of Global & Americas Transaction Banking and Bay Area President. «MUFG is focused on developing innovative products and services that support our clients’ objectives and that leverage our business strengths, such as Project Finance and Liquidity Management.»

MUFG partnered with Sustainalytics, a leading ESG research, ratings and data firm, to develop the bank’s Green Deposit Framework to capture and account for qualifying green activities within the MUFG portfolio, and ensure alignment with industry best practices and standards.

«Liquidity vehicles such as this Green Deposit product meet many clients’ needs who want to ensure their surplus cash deposits are being used for the greater good,» said Managing Director Olu Adebiyi, Liquidity Product Head, Transaction Banking Americas. «We are proud to be at the forefront of our clients’ focus on environmentally beneficial initiatives by adding a bank deposit option to accompany the growing number of non-bank ESG investment vehicles in the market.»

MUFG’s Environmental Commitment
MUFG has committed to participating in CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project). CDP is a project through which institutional investors from around the world work together and urge corporations to disclose their strategies on climate change as well as detailed data on their greenhouse gas emissions. MUFG has participated in the project since 2004.

On July 1, 2020, MUFG began applying the Equator Principles 4, which includes due diligence on the impact of physical and transition risks posed by climate change on projects and enhanced engagement with indigenous peoples. MUFG has also committed to gradually decreasing the balance of MUFG’s exposure to coal-fired power generation projects with a target reduction of 50 percent from FY2019 to FY2030 and down to zero by FY2040.

In the Americas, MUFG is on track to exceed its five-year, $41 billion Community Service Action Plan sustainable finance goals announced in 2016, surpassing a cumulative $50 billion during 2020, including more than $40 billion for environmental finance, for projects including green affordable housing, solar and wind energy, agricultural operations that conserve natural resources, green and social bonds and sustainability linked bonds and loans, mass-transit systems, and public water infrastructure.

MUFG intends to commit ¥8 trillion (approximately $72 billion) of finance in the environmental field, including initiatives to counter climate change. We promote renewable energy through project finance, issue MUFG Green Bonds (which ensure that the net proceeds are allocated to eligible Green Projects), provide commodities and services aimed at mitigating environmental loads, and encourage the climate change countermeasure consulting business.

«As an organization, MUFG is focused on what we can do to drive the transition toward a more sustainable environment in the communities we serve,» said Dr. Tobi Petrocelli, Director Environmental and Sustainability Management, Corporate Social Responsibility for the Americas. «Environmental Stewardship is one of our core values, and it is important that we pursue ways to reduce our collective environmental footprint.»

To learn more about the bank’s Green Deposits offering, visit https://mufgamericas.com/what-we-do/transaction-banking.

About MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
As of September 30, 2020, MUFG Union Bank, N.A. operated 348 branches, consisting primarily of retail banking branches in the West Coast states, along with commercial branches in Texas, Illinois, New York, and Georgia. We provide a wide spectrum of corporate, commercial, and retail banking and wealth management solutions to meet the needs of our clients. We also offer an extensive portfolio of value-added solutions for clients, including investment banking, personal and corporate trust, global custody, transaction banking, capital markets, and other services. With assets of $132.5 billion, as of September 30, 2020, MUFG Union Bank has strong capital reserves, credit ratings, and capital ratios relative to peer banks. MUFG Union Bank is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (NYSE: MUFG), one of the world’s largest financial institutions with total assets of approximately ¥348.4 trillion (JPY) or $3.3 trillion (USD)¹, as of September 30, 2020. The corporate headquarters (principal executive office) for MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation, which is the financial holding company, and MUFG Union Bank, is in New York City. The main banking office of MUFG Union Bank is in San Francisco, California.

¹ Exchange rate of 1 USD=¥105.8 (JPY) as of September 30, 2020

©2021 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. All rights reserved. The MUFG logo and name is a service mark of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., and is used by MUFG Union Bank, N.A., with permission. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Press contact:
Jane Yedinak
Direct: 415-773-2497
Jane.Yedinak@unionbank.com

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SOURCE MUFG Union Bank, N.A.

Q Hydrogen CEO Whitaker Irvin Jr. Applauds President Biden’s Selection of David Turk as Deputy Secretary of Energy

PARK CITY, Utah, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Whitaker B. Irvin, Jr., CEO of Q Hydrogen Commercialization (http://www.qhydrogen.com), a Park City, Utah, based company that has developed a new technology for turning water into clean, efficient and renewable hydrogen for use in energy and electricity production, transportation and industry, applauds President Biden’s selection of David Turk as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy.

«David Turk’s passion for promoting clean, green energy, and his great work with the International Energy Agency, particularly in the hydrogen space, makes him an excellent choice for the U.S. Department of Energy,» Irvin said. «We in the sustainable hydrogen production industry are excited to work with him to ensure the U.S. and the global economy can quickly and safely transition from polluting fossil fuels to clean, renewable hydrogen.»

About Q Hydrogen Commercialization
Q Hydrogen Commercialization (Q Hydrogen; http://www.qhydrogen.com) is poised to become a dominant player in the renewable energy market. Its proprietary technology generates hydrogen from water using hydrodynamic forces created within a turbine featuring a unique design and metallurgy. This allows for hydrogen production at a lower cost and without the carbon impact of conventional methods that utilize natural gas and other fossil fuel sources. The technology’s economic viability is well-suited for use in energy, electricity production, transportation and industry. The company aims to further develop and commercialize hydrogen as a low-cost fuel source that is readily available to the world.

Media Contact

Brian Hyland, Rubenstein Public Relations, +1 212-805-3055, BHyland@rubensteinpr.com

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