US Energy Initiatives Corp, manufacturer of the patented Hybrid Fuel Systems technology that converts diesel to natural gas, recently concluded a partnership agreement with Autogas (Thailand) Ltd.

"Autogas is a six-year-old Thai-based company, and we're excited to have such a strong partner in this critical market," Mark Clancy, CEO US Energy, announced in a press statement.

"We are also pleased to deliver this first significant order for our technology to our shareholders. As we gear up our enterprise to react to the OEM [original-equipment manufacturer] universe, this major after-market project will allow us to build our Thai-based service and support capability.

"We anticipate we will begin deliverables against this agreement during the late third quarter and early fourth quarter and look to make a meaningful impact to our revenues in the fourth quarter of this year. In addition to our anticipated work with Isuzu engines, on our behalf US Energy we have also  been developing a dual fuel system for the Nissan 454 series, the Hino H07 series and the Mitsubishi FD series," said Autogas CEO Robin Hughes.

"The potential for these three engines for our existing portfolio of clients runs to more than 3,000 vehicles. Autogas is delighted to have acquired the rights to market and distribute the US Energy proven dual-fuel diesel-to-natural-gas systems in Thailand.

"EPA approval on engine platforms in the US provides us with the comfort that we will adhere to the highest levels of engineering integrity and emissions reductions on all types of engine applications."

US Energy was formed in 1996. It delivers its patent dual-fuel diesel-to-natural-gas conversion technology and resells a portfolio of conversion systems for petrol to natural gas and propane through both company-owned and franchised service centres in 12 states and directly to domestic and international original-equipment manufacturers.

The company's primary facility is a 1,115-square-metre state-of-the-art systems-development and emissions-testing lab in Atlanta, Georgia. Current clients include General Motors; United Parcel Service; the US Postal Service; the Dallas County School System; the Portland, Oregon, School System; Oklahoma Natural Gas; and a host of private purchasers.

Autogas (Thailand) is recognised as an innovative project-solutions company in all areas of alternative fuels, including vehicle conversions, fuel dispensation, warranty and after-market service.

The partnership deal was struck shortly after the Thai government enacted measures to boost the consumption of natural gas to substitute for fuel oils.