gift wrapped money

VW funding: This gift keeps on giving to fleets

Dec. 6, 2018
This funding represents a real opportunity for your fleet to affect positive change in the communities you serve.

The VW Settlement funds are like a giant gift to fleet managers interested in alternative fuel vehicles. Unfortunately, in some ways, this gift is like a complicated toy that’s labeled “some assembly required.”

First, a bit of background: Volkswagen, as part of its emissions violation, was legally required to contribute $2.9 billion to an Environmental Mitigation Trust. The purpose of this trust is to fund actions that reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from vehicles. That’s a lot of money to purchase fleet vehicles!

Now, this gift of funds won’t just come down your chimney. The money is allocated to state beneficiaries to distribute, meaning who can use the funds and when will vary by state.

To begin your search for information you can use when making purchasing decisions, start on the VW Clearinghouse website. Once you land on the page, scroll down to find the dashboard titled State Progress and Contacts.

When you click on the dashboard, you’ll see an interactive map of the U.S. in the bottom right corner. Select your state to access your state and local contacts, the lead agency or agencies in your state, and your state’s events, websites or other information.

Once you find out how your state is allocating available funds, you can take action by visiting the website for your state beneficiary or emailing your state’s contact for more information. Transit, fleet and school district decision-makers should also talk with their vehicle sales dealers or an alternative fuel system manufacturer. They are great resources to learn how specifically to take advantage of VW funding. 

This funding represents a real opportunity for your fleet to affect positive change in the communities you serve. Alternative fuel buses, trucks and other vehicles emit much lower levels of NOx than their conventionally fueled counterparts, improving air quality while also reducing greenhouse gases. Many, like propane autogas, also save fleets money in fuel costs and maintenance.

Choosing an alternative fuel is a gift to your organization and your community. 

About the Author

Joe Thompson | Group President, Roush Products Group

Joe Thompson is group president of Roush Products Group, working within the corporate structure of Roush and overseeing ROUSH CleanTech and ROUSH Performance Products. He is a member of the Roush Enterprise Steering Committee. 

Previously he served as president of ROUSH CleanTech, growing the company from six employees to more than 90. Under Thompson’s leadership, ROUSH CleanTech won numerous quality control and environmental awards, including Supplier of the Year from Blue Bird and a Michigan Green Leader honorable mention. He is a recipient of the 2013 Green Fleet Sustainability All-Star award.

Thompson has worked with Roush since 1996. In his previous appointment as vice president and general manager, he helped establish ROUSH Performance as one of the premier brands in the automotive aftermarket segment.  

Raised in Ohio, he earned a degree in public relations from Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism. He lives with his wife and two sons in Ann Arbor, Mich.

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