Empire Recently Featured on Several TV Shows

Empire Coachworks, based in East Brunswick, N.J., was recently featured on an episode of PBS’ MotorWeek (original airdate was January 14, 2010). President Edward Vergopia was interviewed on the company’s efforts to green the industry’s vehicles. The video was part of MotorWeek’s recurring series called “Clean Cities Success Stories,” which profiles a company, group, or organization each week that strives for cleaner air and less pollution. During the video, host John Davis describes Empire as a supplier of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trams for the Bronx Zoo and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. He notes that Empire’s next goal is to install a certified CNG system in larger vehicles such as school buses and paratransit vehicles. “[Vehicles] run through boards of education and municipalities are also looking to move 100 percent of fleets into alternative fuel, and CNG is a natural fit for everyone,” says Vergopia. The video can be viewed at www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/mw_empire.html. Empire is no stranger to the spotlight for its eye-catching and innovative vehicles. The company has also been featured on Discovery Channel’s World’s Most Expensive Rides, notably for designing vehicles for Christian Audigier, the French fashion icon who created the world-famous Ed Hardy label. Empire has built a few vehicles for the designer, including an Ed Hardy Mercedes-Benz, a stretch Hummer, and the VIF-1, a Cadillac Escalade that is reported to have cost over $350,000. All were featured on the Discovery Channel’s show. Visit www.empirecoach.cc, for more information about Empire Coachworks. LD