Powertrain Integration (PI) specializes in engineering alternative fueling systems for numerous types of propulsion technologies ranging from hybrid sports cars to propane-powered trucks and uparmored military battlewagons.
Shantry recently answered a series of questions posed by Aftermarket Business World:
Q: What is the background of your company?
A: Powertrain Integration was authorized by General Motors in 2004 as an on-road OEM vehicle integrator. Think of it along the model of GM’s relationship with Mercruiser and Volvo Penta to provide those builders with engines for the marine market. This relationship gives PI access to the GM Powertrain (GMPT) engine and transmission lineup as well as GM platform parts to fully integrate a vehicle.
We combine this broad range of components and systems with focused engineering and production services to address the unique needs of niche automakers and fleets. Additionally, we specialize in clean-power on-highway systems using alternative fuels as well as gasoline and diesel. Whether it’s a low- to high-volume program, we can provide complete design, engineering, testing, and production services to deliver OEM engineered vehicle integration.
Q: How would you assess the marketplace for alternative powertrain systems within the commercial vehicle industry?
A: The medium duty segment is looking for clean replacements for diesel as well as the cost savings associated with alt fuels and increased efficiency afforded by hybrid systems. In some ways, gasoline is still an alternative fuel in this market. Enthusiastic adoption of PI 6.0L L96 V8 gas engine packages by large fleet users and their proven track record has paved the way for fleets to acquire propane autogas and compressed natural gas (CNG) 6.0L LC8 V8 engines for the same applications. Our propane autogas fuel systems are true OEM installations rather than upfits typical of the majority of alt fuel systems, and our medium duty engines typically pair with Allison automatic transmissions.
Q: Are alternative systems typically a hard sell, or are commercial vehicle owners embracing these developments?
A: If it’s any indication of where things are headed, the UPS announcement earlier this year to purchase 1,000 Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) walk-in vans powered by our propane autogas 6.0L engines represents the single largest adoption of any alternative fuel package. Fleets are keen to take advantage of the tremendous fuel cost savings provided by propane autogas in particular – typically one-third to one-half that of diesel or gasoline.
Available infrastructure is typically the hurdle that limits alt fuel adoption as fleets logging lots of miles daily tend to have range anxiety. Propane autogas is the most widely available alternative fuel in the U.S., and comparatively low infrastructure costs of propane position it very favorably to continue to gain acceptance.
Q: How are commercial vehicle owners addressing alternative fueling infrastructure issues?
A: Nationally, the Propane Education Research Council (PERC) has been instrumental in making propane a viable option as a fleet fuel, supporting industry initiatives, providing education, highlighting awareness, and funding infrastructure. At a local level, propane retailers are often willing to roll infrastructure costs into long term supply contracts or even provide the use of dispensing equipment free of charge. This makes propane autogas an appealing option for fleets, although PI sells the same 6.0L LC8 engine for vehicles that later have upfitters add CNG systems.
Although public propane autogas outlets are available, fleets that return to a central location at the end of each business day are best able to take advantage of on-site infrastructure. Propane fueling is much like that of conventional fuels; beyond basic operator training, gloves are required to safeguard to against the chill of liquid propane, and the filling time required is similar to that of diesel or gasoline. Positive locking fill attachments and automatic overfill devices virtually eliminates spillage, and propane’s status as a naturally occurring compound does not endanger ground water in the event of a rare spill.
Q: What are some of the more popular alternative powertrains being utilized?
A: Distributors of liquid propane gas (LPG) were the target market for initial applications of our PIthon 8.0L engine powering FCCC S2G chassis bodied as an LPG delivery trucks. If propane retailers are selling the notion of using propane to their customers as an on-road fuel, they should be transporting that fuel burning propane autogas rather than diesel.
Box truck bodies for the S2G chassis are also appearing, and more vocational PIthon applications are expected very soon. The school bus market is the original channel though which we entered the alt fuel mix in 2008, pioneering the Blue Bird Vision Propane 8.1L engine. PI now supplies the PIthon 8.0L engine package that powers the Thomas Built Buses C2 Propane.
Q: Which systems are being pursued for military applications?
A: We have a rich history of providing powertrain systems and engineering expertise for the defense sector – from integrating automatic transmissions to fabricating mine-resistant chassis – and we are able to give these low volume manufacturers reliable GM power plants with demonstrated integration and development capabilities.
Q: Which systems are being pursued by manufacturers of alternative passenger cars?
A: Gasoline remains the overwhelming fuel of choice for most pure sports car applications, but gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains are gaining a foothold among exotic marques as evidenced by the Porsche 918 and the prancing horse’s LaFerrari. Despite the high tech nature of those rarified “übercars,” brute American muscle still has its adherents: PI supplied GM gasoline LS3 engines and six-speed transmissions for the European revival of the AC Ace roadster – an update of the Shelby Cobra that originally transformed that British sports car into a performance benchmark. Conversely, PI performed engineering feasibility and packaging studies for the ground-breaking Fisker Karma, and supplied Solstice turbocharged powertrains, Corvette suspensions, and other platform components from the GM parts bin for the luxurious, grand touring hybrid.
Q: What distribution channels are you seeking for your product lines?
A: Our engine packages are especially attractive to small manufacturers with low production runs, such as the medium duty, specialty car and RV markets. Our PIthon 8.0L propane autogas engine generated a buzz among the shuttle bus industry recently when it appeared in an FCCC concept chassis, which won Best of Show at BusCon. Beyond distribution of our products, PI recognizes that the support of an Authorized Service Provider (ASP) network is vital to the launch of any vehicle program, and invites medium duty vehicle maintenance and repair businesses to investigate becoming PI ASPs.
Q: What types of training are required to maintain and repair alternative powertrain systems?
A: Technicians require ready access to service materials and the training to translate that data into a timely, effective repair; PI makes service information, diagrams, diagnostic strategies and repair procedures available online for 24/7 access at service.powertrainintegration.com. Live technical support is also provided via a toll free number for ASPs.
Business owners appreciate service tools and data that are a good value for their acquisition and subscription costs. We have consciously sought to develop a comprehensive set of technical resources and tools that are not prohibitively expensive for facilities that may not service PI product in great volumes.
Q: Where can this training be obtained?
A: Training is offered regionally as classroom sessions paired with hands-on instruction while online training courses are being developed for ASPs. ASP personnel will be able to login to the PI Service Center website, review coursework at their own pace and take examinations when they feel they have mastered the content.
Subscribe to Aftermarket Business World and receive articles like this every month….absolutely free. Click here.
