In our latest video, BAF Director of Sales, Brent Pope speaks about the quality control process that goes into BAF vehicle conversions. BAF was the very first company to receive the designation as a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM), a process developed by Ford to ensure that OEM’s meet Ford’s exacting standards for quality. This is just one of the many reasons why fleet managers can be confident when selecting us as their CNG vehicle converter.

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“And for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as president: In 10 years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East.”
— Barack Obama Acceptance Speech – DNC – August 28, 2008

Last week, a bipartisan trio of US Senators introduced the New Alternative Transportation to Give American Solutions, NATGAS Act (S. 1380).  According to Richard Kolodziej, president of NGVAmerica,  ”This comprehensive legislation is driven by the need for America to quickly switch to more domestically available fuels while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gases and urban pollution. This bill would provide a real incentive for American businesses to help them diversify away from petroleum reliance and lower their fuel bills at a time when those costs are very high. And it will put hundreds of thousands of people to work building new fueling stations, manufacturing natural gas vehicles, and producing domestic natural gas, at a time when adding American jobs is critical.”

You can do your part to help ensure that this bill passes by telling your senators that your support the NAT GAS ACT.  Click here, and let your senators know that you want to reduce America’s dependence on foreign energy. Please do so today!

The environment has been a topic of discussion in recent years, particularly vehicle emissions, because so many people can relate to this as opposed to smoke stacks or other industry pollution.  There are extremists on both sides of the discussion.  While most people are somewhere in the middle, some claim the impending destruction of the world is at stake while others outright deny the existence of a problem.  The truth lies somewhere in the middle.

When you consider the emissions from a single vehicle, the amount is quite low; however, the emissions of millions of cars on the road every day certainly add up.  But that’s only one vehicle at a time.  Driving in a personal vehicle is the most polluting activity of a typical citizen’s daily life.  What if there was a focus on converting entire fleets of commercial vehicles at a time?  Now there’s impact! 

Here’s the truth about emissions. Consider how it relates to your commercial vehicle fleet running on gasoline. 

Sources of Car Emissions

Everyone recognizes a car’s exhaust as the byproduct of combusted fuel in the engine.  These pollutants include hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.  Evaporation of the fuel in the tank as well as refueling losses also contributes to pollution from a vehicle.  Understanding how vehicles create pollution is of little importance if fleet owners don’t take action to decrease their vehicles’ emissions.

How have Auto Emissions been Controlled?

Motor vehicle pollution began to be regulated in 1970 with the passing of the Clean Air Act into law.  Policies have become progressively stricter as the years have gone by.  Individual drivers have a responsibility to service their emissions systems to increase the performance of their vehicles and help the environment.  Fleet owners have the same responsibility.

What has the Control of Emissions Done for Air Quality?

While emissions from individual cars have been greatly reduced, the number of cars on the road has increased and the distance that people drive on a daily basis has nearly doubled.  Increased traffic has unfortunately offset much of emission control’s progress.

How can a Bigger Difference Be Seen?

While having vehicle emissions tested and serviced can certainly make a difference, a much more significant impact in the goal of clean air can be accomplished if more fleet owners choose vehicles that are powered by alternative fuel like natural gas (CNG).  This fuel is less expensive, more efficient, and less polluting than gasoline.

YES,  Your Commercial Fleet of Vehicles can make a Difference. Upgrade to CNG.

BAF, A Clean Energy Company, is the premier provider of natural gas vehicles.  Founded in 1992 the company supports global clients with vehicle conversions, alternative fuel systems, application engineering, service and warranty support and research and development.

For information about natural gas car conversions, visit baftechnologies.com.

President

Mr. Bacon, a graduate in business from St. Louis University, has spent his entire career in the automotive business. He has been President of BAF since 2000. Mr. Bacon founded Detroit-based TDM World Conversions in 1989 and became President of NGV Systems of Long Beach, CA in 1994. Currently he serves on the California NGV Coalition board and has been a member of the SAE for over 30 years.

Vice President, Sales

Mr. Calvert began his career in the Alternative Fuel Vehicle industry in 1982 as national sales manager for Advanced Fuel Systems located in Wichita, KS. Since that beginning, Mr. Calvert has been involved in many AFV programs, providing leadership and direction for manufacturers, utility companies, governments, private companies, organizations and industry leaders. Mr. Calvert was co-founder of Bachman NGV that, in 2003, changed to BAF after the purchase of TranStar Energy assets.

Vice President of Operations

Mr. Shaffer has worked in the Alternative Fueled Vehicle industry since 1996. As an Air Force officer, Paul was instrumental in developing, implementing, and managing the Air Force Alternative Fueled Vehicle program. After leaving the Air Force, Paul joined BAF in early 2002. He rejoined the company to spearhead a number of programs and initiatives. Paul is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology.

Director of Sales

Mr. Pope joined BAF as Sales Director and is responsible for growing BAF’s revenue along with the seasoned sales team. Brent’s career spans engineering, sales, marketing and leadership roles with experience across the US, South America, Europe and Asia. His roles have always been in the automotive/transportation market and his deep knowledge of the heavy-duty market will assist BAF in serving that segment. Brent holds a BSME from Kettering University and a MBA from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business with a dual major in Finance and Marketing. He lives in the Dallas area.

Technical Director, West Coast

Mr. Galloway currently serves as the director of all technical operations, from application development to establishing and implementing service and repair procedures of products. He has over 25 years of experience in vehicle service and repair, including 10 years as a trainer on both gasoline and alternate fuel systems. His current certifications include ASE Master Automotive, Advanced Driveability L1, CNG F1 and CSA International CNG Tank Inspection.

Director, Service & Training

Mr. Chilvers joined BAF in 2006 and heads Technical Support and BAF’s Service operations. He is certified to L1 Master Technician, Medium/Heavy Truck Technician and ASE F1CNG in the US. In Europe, Mr. Chilvers is certified to Engineering Technician by the Engineering Council. He has been working in the automotive industry since 1980 and held senior service positions in high-end import vehicle repair shops in both the US and UK. Mr. Chilvers also served seven years in the Army as a senior technical and technical trainer on specialized equipment.

Quality Control Manager

Mr. Ellis joined BAF in 2010 and is responsible for the overall quality of BAF’s products within BAF and throughout the network of dealers. Mr. Ellis brings more than 22 years of experience in the automotive industry as a Quality System Manager/Certified Quality Engineer. He has been instrumental in developing, implementing and managing ISO 9001/TS 16949 Quality Management Systems. Mr. Ellis has a Bachelor’s degree from Mary Washington University.