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LPG not paying off

15th July 2004, Page 69
15th July 2004
Page 69
Page 69, 15th July 2004 — LPG not paying off
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Unlike the Continent, the UK used market doesn't feature gas trucks.

The UK used market for dual-fuel products is becoming isolated as manufacturers pursue liquid petroleum gas development over compressed natural gas favoured by mainland Europe. Vauxhall plan to launch a CNG Combo van into mainland Europe but not an LPG version into the UK.There isn't the demand or a suffi cient infrastructure of LPG filling stations for users to have the confidence to travel nationwide with a LPG-powered vehicle.

Tony Hibbett, who works as a fleet car and light commercial vehicle procurement advisor, says few vehicles reach the used market. "County councils who pioneered with a majority of dual-fuel [vehicles] have LPG filling stations on site and are unlikely to offload them,like a diesel, after three or four years. It isn't cost effective and there isn't enough residual potential," he says_ On the continent CNG has taken off and throughout western Europe just about all service stations have CNG bunkers."It's a more positive approach as the user isn't restricted to a particular distance with an on-site station at the depot," he says. -This helps generate a secondhand market if it's more efficient, and they won't be hindered in any way by choosing an alternative fuel system."

The issue is compounded by Glass's information Services announcing that used vehicle buyers are still not convinced of the benefits of LPG dual-fuel options, without even mentioning CNG technology.

Chief editor of commercial vehicles for Glass's. George Alexander, says LPG dual-fuel vehicles have not reached expected open market values. "When late-platedow mileage examples are offered for sale they attract strong money close to diesel. But soon after, when extra mileage and wear and tear have been factored in, trade buyers become more cautious and offer prices that equate to similar petrol vans," he says. •


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