(LAS VEGAS, NV) -- Keeping with its commitment to sustainability, CityCenter has commissioned the first stretch-limo fleet powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). Developed by Krystal Enterprises, the world's largest manufacturer of stretch limousines, in collaboration with Clean Energy Fuels, BAF Technologies and Ford engineers, the 26 silver, 72-inch Lincoln Town Cars are 100 percent dedicated to utilizing CNG and will service CityCenter's ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel.
"Commissioning the first CNG stretch-limo fleet is a demonstration of CityCenter's commitment to environmental responsibility, while never sacrificing guest experience," said Bill McBeath, president and COO of ARIA Resort & Casino. "Just as with every element of CityCenter's design and construction, we're determined to employ the most innovative solutions possible to grow responsibly, while continuing to raise the bar on service, comfort and experience."
Compressed natural gas was selected for the limo fleet because of the abundant U.S. natural gas reserves; it also is one of the cleanest burning alternative fuels available and is generally less expensive than either gasoline or diesel with greater price stability.
Compared with vehicles fueled with conventional diesel and gasoline, natural gas vehicles produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides (35-60 percent less), particulate matter (90-97 percent less), carcinogenic and toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide (90-97 percent less) as well as the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (25 percent less). Source: U.S. Department of Energy
"As the leader in stretch-limo development, Krystal Enterprises worked closely with CityCenter and BAF Technologies to ensure this custom fleet provided the highest level of CNG practices without compromising the quality experience CityCenter guests will expect," said Ed Grech, president and CEO of Krystal Enterprises.
Every element of CityCenter has been masterfully woven together with the greatest of consideration for our environment and future. Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification at CityCenter. The 18-million-square-foot, multi-use project will incorporate a variety of elements - from the use of reclaimed water to on-site power generation and sustainable materials selection to indoor environmental quality - to make it one of the world's largest environmentally sustainable urban communities.
In addition to CityCenter's CNG limo fleet, guests will be greeted with preferred parking for green cars and carpoolers, and will be offered bicycle valet service; residents will have bicycle storage, rideshare options and dedicated carpool pickup lanes; and employees will be presented with a full range of transit, bicycle, green car and carpool options.
CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis that will open in late 2009 on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corps, a subsidiary of Dubai World. CityCenter will feature ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas' first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel; Veer Towers, the development's only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. Vdara, Mandarin Oriental and Veer Towers will include approximately 2,400 residences total.
Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010. CityCenter also will feature a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley; and an unparalleled Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed artists including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others.
CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM MIRAGE and eight internationally acclaimed architectural firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Viñoly, Foster + Partners, Studio Daniel Libeskind, Rockwell Group and Gensler. Charting a new course for responsible growth in Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at CityCenter. As planned, the 18-million-square-foot, multi-use project will become one of the world's largest environmentally sustainable urban communities.