LPG Conversion News - Autogas Experts
Hyundai unveils new Eon variants, including LPG options
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
The largest passenger car exporter and the second largest manufacturer in India, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) launched three new variants of its acclaimed hatchback, Eon. The three new variants are D-Lite +, Era + and Magna +. Customised to provide higher value, all these new offerings will be available in LPG variants as well and will cost around Rs. 27,000 higher. The D-Lite +, which is equipped with air-conditioning and power steering, will cost below Rs. 3 lakh, around Rs. 2.98 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
H W Park, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. commented that “The D-Lite plus offers a host of features all for less than Rs 3 lakh. Similarly, Era+ and Magna + also offer enhanced features. The idea behind the new variants is to offer extra value to our customers.”
Besides air conditioning and power steering, the D-Lite + will be equipped with gift shift indicator and body coloured bumpers. Along with these features, Era +, which is priced at Rs. 3.12 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), will be loaded with front power windows and central locking. The third variant, Magna+ is fitted with a 2-Din audio system with USB and Aux, among various other features. The Magna + comes with a price tag of Rs. 3.42 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
As a part of the company’s Blue Drive (eco-friendly) range, the LPG variant is installed with individual factory-fitted petrol (32 litres) and LPG (34 litres) tanks, which ensure enhanced safety for the occupants. The LPG variant also comes with a two-year warranty. Moreover, in comparison to the conventional LPG variants, the special ‘Toroidal’ tank in Eon offers larger boot space. On a full tank of LPG and petrol, the fuel efficient car can run over 1200 kilometres.
The wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), South Korea; HMIL presently offers eight passenger car models in India, including Eon. The Eon, Santro, i10 and the i20 rule the A2 segment, while the A3 segment has Accent and Verna. The company offers Sonata in the A5 segment, while the SUV segment is catered by the Santa Fe.
The advanced manufacturing plant of HMIL near Chennai has sophisticated production, quality and testing capabilities. The company established its second plant in February 2008 to meet the increasing demand of its vehicles. The second unit has an annual installed capacity of 300,000 units. HMIL is the global export hub of Hyundai Motor Company and has already exported more than 1 million units in about a decade, since its inception. HMIL caters to the demands of more than 115 countries across the world, including EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Consecutively for six years, the company has been India’s number one exporter.
The company presently boasts of 340 strong dealer network and 783 service points in the country, which contribute towards realisation of its growth and expansion plans. In order to offer advanced global technology, the company has established a state-of-the-art multi-million dollar R&D facility in Hyderabad which strives to be the focal point of excellence for automobile engineering.
Diesel Prices to Hit Record Highs
Sunday, 15 January 2012
RMI Petrol has expressed fears that diesel prices could hit record highs after wholesale costs rose faster and steeper than ever during the holiday period. From December 19 to January 5, diesel prices increased almost 4.50p per litre, while unleaded petrol rose as much as 5p per litre – not including 20% VAT.
RMI Petrol, which is representative of nearly 6,000 petrol retailers and forecourt operators, is concerned that the average price for diesel in the UK could push past the 143p per litre peak seen on May 9, 2011, as the price hit 141p per litre over the last weekend. They think the price could even rise to over 145p per litre in just a few weeks. The rise in diesel prices comes after instability in the Persian Gulf, which led to an unprecedented increase in wholesale prices. Iran threatened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, while refinery closures contributed to the instability.
RMI Petrol says the recent rises in costs have been so fast that fuel retailers haven’t had any time to even react to them during the holidays, and few retailers have made any big increases at the pump. However, pump prices will have to move up quickly over the weekend in order for the retailers to protect margins, which are already thin and have caused independent companies stress financially throughout the last year.
Furthermore, with the recent 5p per litre rise in unleaded petrol prices, pump costs could rise past the 137.4p per litre high. At the end of last week, prices were already 132.3p per litre. This has put more pressure on consumers and high-street retailers, who are already complaining that people aren’t spending enough due to the high cost of fuel. Aside from the rise in pump prices, the hikes could lead to higher food prices and slow the UK’s economic recovery even more, as most hauliers carrying goods use diesel consuming vehicles.
RMI Petrol chairman Brian Madderson says that this development is very worrying but not completely unexpected. He also warns about rising goods costs, saying that 80% of the UK’s food is distributed by road, and supermarkets and suppliers may look to recover the extra distribution costs by increasing prices. On January 2, he wrote to Chancellor George Osborne to highlight the serious issues with supply that lie ahead and enclosed a “case for reform of fuel taxation” report, which is the government’s only tool to directly keep fuel prices, which are undermining economic and social recovery, from rising too high. The group is due to discuss the problem with Treasury chief secretary Danny Alexander later in the month.
Meanwhile, the UK isn’t the only country suffering from a rise in petrol prices. There are concerns that petrol in Australia will rise to nearly AU$1.60 a litre in just weeks due to the instability in the Middle East. Fuel is slated to rise by up to 14 cents a litre in some states.
Motorists face record diesel prices
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Motorists are facing record diesel prices at the pumps after instability in the Persian Gulf led to an unprecedented rise in wholesale costs.
The average price of diesel on UK forecourts hit 141p a litre over the weekend.
The average price of diesel on UK forecourts hit 141p a litre over the weekend.
Experts predict that by the end of January the cost of diesel will top the 143p a litre peak it reached on May 9 last year.
This will sharply push up the cost of driving for owners of diesel cars, which account for a quarter of all cars on the road in Britain.
The hikes could also lead to higher food prices in shops and put a further brake on the UK’s lumbering economic recovery, as most hauliers carrying goods around the country use diesel in their vehicles.
Iran’s threat of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and shutdowns at refineries contributed to a 4.5p per litre hike in the price that petrol stations pay for diesel between December 19 and January 5, according to figures from RMI Petrol.
The price rise was the “steepest and fastest” ever seen, said the RMI, which represents almost 6,000 independently-owned filling stations across the UK.
The RMI said that it is only a matter of time before petrol retailers pass the increases on to motorists.
Brian Madderson, RMI Petrol chairman, said the rise had been so rapid that retailers had had “scant time to react over the holidays”. However, given fuel retailers’ “wafer thin” margins, he said they would have little option but to jack up prices over the coming days.
“I would expect them reluctantly to push these rises through,” he said.
“That’s more pain for the consumer and for high-street retailers, who are already squealing that people are not spending in the shops because of the high cost of fuel,” said Mr Madderson.
He warned that food prices could rise as a result of high diesel prices. This is because 80 per cent of the UK’s food is distributed by road and supermarkets and their suppliers could look to recoup the extra distribution costs by raising prices.
The price of unleaded petrol could also overtake its record high of 137.4p per litre at some point this year. Unleaded petrol cost 132.3p a litre at the end of last week.
Mr Madderson said that with prices at the pumps rocketing, there was an overwhelming case for “reform of fuel taxation” in Britain, whose duty rates on diesel are the second highest in the EU.
The UK’s high fuel duties, which disproportionately hit the poor, were “undermining society and our economic recovery”, he said.
The RMI will discuss the issue with Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury, later this month.
Motorists braced for petrol price rise
Monday, 09 January 2012
Motorists and hauliers face record diesel prices at the pumps, putting a further brake on economic recovery, after an unprecedented rise in wholesale costs over the festive period.
Iran’s threat of a blockade in the Straits of Hormuz and shutdowns at refineries contributed to a 4.5p per litre hike in the cost of diesel between December 19 and January 5, according to figures from RMI Petrol. That is before the imposition of 20pc VAT.
RMI, which represents almost 6,000 independently-owned filling stations across the UK, said the price rise was the “steepest and fastest” ever seen over the Christmas period.
With average diesel prices at the pumps close to 141p per litre, RMI said it would now only take forecourt retailers to pass on some of the extra wholesale costs to consumers for prices to top the 143p a litre peak they reached on May 9 last year.
Brian Madderson, RMI Petrol chairman, said the rise had been so rapid that retailers had had “scant time to react over the holidays”, with few so far raising their prices at the pumps. However, given fuel retailers’ “wafer thin” margins, he said they would have little option but to jack up prices over the coming days.
“I would expect them reluctantly to push these rises through,” he said. “That’s more pain for the consumer and for high-street retailers, who are already squealing that people are not spending in the shops because of the high cost of fuel. Higher diesel prices also feed into food prices because 80pc of our food moves by road.”
Buses on diesel, LPG soon to ply streets
Tuesday, 06 December 2011
BUSES THAT run on diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will soon ply the streets under a pilot program of the Energy department and oil firm Liquigaz Philippines Corp., a Cabinet official said.
“The pilot project aims to provide not just savings in fuel cost but also in emissions,” Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras said in a press conference during the launch of the program.
The program is expected to result in fuel savings of about 10%, the department said.
The six-month scheme, which will require the modification of bus engines, will be participated in by HM Transport, Inc., CHER Transport Corp., Joyselle Express, Inc., MENCORP Transport System, Inc. and Nova Auto Transport, Inc.
Liquigaz will provide kits that will allow buses to run on 80% diesel and 20% LPG. The company will also shoulder the cost of the pilot program.
“We are willing to invest to meet demand,” said Santanu Guha, president and managing director of Liquigaz.
“We see LPG as a bridge between other polluting fuels, LPG is the cleanest polluting fuel,” he added.
The use of alternative fuel for public transportation is being pushed by the Energy department to lessen the country’s dependence on traditional fuel and to guard against the rising cost of oil.
It also plans to install full LPG and compressed natural gas engines on buses, while jeepney engines will also be converted to use LPG.
Modification of bus engines will cost P150,000, much lower than full conversion.
Participating bus companies will submit data on the performance of the modified vehicles to Liquigaz every 15 days.
Mr. Almendras said the Energy department is hoping to expand the program after the pilot-test phase.
“We are working with other government agencies like the Department of Science and Technology to study the technology and hopefully develop it so other vendors can also sell it,” said Mr. Almendras.
Meanwhile, the LPG Marketers’ Association will raise prices of cooking gas by P1.50 per kilogram effective today, the group’s president, Arnel U. Ty, said in a text message yesterday.
Data from the Energy department showed that LPG is retailed for P669-P743 for an 11-kilogram tank. -- E. N. J. David
Fuel prices in Europe: the cost of petrol and diesel in Europe
Saturday, 09 July 2011
The chart is updated about once every 2 months. Most recent updateJuly 5th 2011. The data is collected from various sources, some from official government websites, some from fuel companies' sites, and some from price comparison sites in the respective countries.
To make comparisons easier this chart shows all petrol and diesel prices in Euros. But payment must be made in local currency for countries not using Euros. United Kingdom prices are also in Euros to help you compare and are at the foot of the table.
The prices for petrol relate to the average for 95 octane fuel. Remember that fuel is usually dearest on motorways and cheapest in supermarkets. Supermarket petrol stations are often closed on Sundays, bank holidays and during the late evening and night. Although they often have automatic pumps they rarely work with UK credit cards, although most accept bank notes. Make sure you keep your tank topped up outside working hours unless on motorways, where fuel is always available.
Since the last update in May prices have fallen everywhere, generally by between 5 and 10%. Norway is by far the most expensive country for both petrol at 1.82 euros and diesel at 1.72. Next come Denmark, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany, although diesel is cheap in the Netherlands at 1.27 euros. Estonia is the cheapest place to fill up in Europe, while of the more visited countries Luxembourg remains good value, closely followed by Spain and Switzerland. The UK is about average for petrol but only Norway is dearer for diesel.
| Country | Unleaded 95 petrol price per litre in euros July 2011 | Diesel price per litre in euros July 2011 |
| Austria | 1.34 | 1.26 |
| Belgium | 1.42 | 1.27 |
| Czech Rep | 1.32 | 1.32 |
| Denmark | 1.62 | 1.47 |
| Estonia | 1.26 | 1.32 |
| Finland | 1.60 | 1.35 |
| France | 1.48 | 1.30 |
| Germany | 1.54 | 1.43 |
| Greece | 1.62 | 1.42 |
| Hungary | 1.44 | 1.43 |
| Ireland | 1.44 | 1.34 |
| Italy | 1.59 | 1.47 |
| Latvia | 1.28 | 1.24 |
| Lithuania | 1.30 | 1.20 |
| Luxembourg | 1.28 | 1.15 |
| Netherlands | 1.57 | 1.27 |
| Norway | 1.82 | 1.72 |
| Poland | 1.29 | 1.29 |
| Portugal | 1.56 | 1.38 |
| Slovakia | 1.46 | 1.34 |
| Slovenia | 1.25 | 1.26 |
| Spain | 1.33 | 1.26 |
| Sweden | 1.47 | 1.48 |
| Switzerland | 1.35 | 1.43 |
| United Kingdom | 1.47 | 1.52 |
2011 Opel Corsa LPG EcoTec Now Available
Friday, 08 July 2011
The Opel Corsa LPG EcoTec is the first model with the new bi-fuel petrol/LPG.After Corsa and Meriva, the German carmaker Opel launches the version Corsa LPG EcoTec, which uses the bi-fuel combustion EcoTec petrol/LPG and to be fitted on other models as Tourer Zafira, Astra, and Insignia. The bi-fuel petrol/LPG promises significant fuel economy by about 40%.
Engines of the Opel Corsa LPG EcoTec.
The new Corsa LPG EcoTec, which is already on the list of major Opel dealers, has a 1.2 85 hp engine, unlike the Meriva that has been fitted with the 1.4 turbo 120 hp, which will be also used on further three bigger models, mentioned above. The Opel Corsa LPG EcoTec Delivers 61 kW/83 hp with LPG and 63 kW/85 hp with petrol mode. The system for the LPG supply has been enhanced with specific valves (intake and exhaust) and strengthened their base to withstand the increased wear of this type of fuel, much less lubricant.
2011 Opel Corsa LPG EcoTec range up to 1,500 km
The CO2 emissions of the Corsa LPG EcoTec depends on the version, as the 3 doors produces only 110 g/km of CO2, while the 5-door version is less efficient with its 115 grams. According to the firm of the “Lightning”, the Opel Corsa LPG EcoTec has a range between 1,100 and 1,500 kilometers, which are gained with either a full tank of petrol and one of gas.
The CO2 emissions of the Corsa LPG EcoTec depends on the version, as the 3 doors produces only 110 g/km of CO2, while the 5-door version is less efficient with its 115 grams. According to the firm of the “Lightning”, the Opel Corsa LPG EcoTec has a range between 1,100 and 1,500 kilometers, which are gained with either a full tank of petrol and one of gas.
CUSTOMER NOTICE
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Due to raising demand in LPG conversions and repairs, as well as to keep ourselves one step ahead of ever advancing LPG technology, we are now upgrading our workshop with the latest tools and equipment. We hope that this will enable us to provide you with even better service and cater for all your requirements.
At the same time we are taking our summer holidays. Due to this we will be closed for business as from 23th June, 2011. We will be open again at 09:00 on 11th July 2011. Please except our apologies for any inconvenience caused. Should you wish to contact us before the opening date, please do so by email or letter as these will still be checked daily as usual.
Best Regards, Autogas Experts Team
Third 'making fewer car journeys' as petrol prices rise
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
About a third of drivers have cut down on the number of car journeys they make because of the cost of motoring, an RAC report has suggested.
Money needed to run a car was now motorists' number one concern, according to the motoring organisation.
Its survey of 1,000 drivers earlier this year indicated rural drivers were hardest hit, as public transport was often not an alternative.
Unleaded petrol now averages about £1.37 a litre, with diesel about £1.42.
Many of those polled said fuel prices were forcing them to cut out visits to friends, find other ways to get to work and not drive their children to after-school activities.
'Luxury' journeys
The RAC questioned drivers about their attitudes to motoring.
The RAC questioned drivers about their attitudes to motoring.
The survey showed 35% had cut down on short journeys, with 30% saying they had reduced the number of longer outings.
Nearly 40% said they now combined as many journeys as possible into one trip.
Meanwhile, 65% of drivers said they would have to severely reduce their car use if fuel prices continued to rise, and 58% said motoring could become a luxury.
And it's not just affecting motorists themselves - 9% said they have stopped driving their children to social and school activities.
John Holland lives in Wakefield, but is separated from his partner, with his daughter at school in Horsham, West Sussex.
He said it made him "really sad" that he could not afford to drive down to see his daughter as much as he would like, simply because he could not afford the diesel.
"The journeys I save up for are going to see my parents, and going down to my daughter's school, and that is about it," he said. "The rest are luxuries and I can't afford them."
'Duty freeze'
The RAC said rural drivers were hardest hit because public transport was less likely to be a practical alternative.
Four out of five rural drivers polled said they could only fulfil family commitments, including transporting elderly relatives, by using their car.
Nearly half (44%) of urban drivers surveyed said a car was essential to meet the same commitments.
"People's ability to live their lives and do the most basic of tasks, such as visit family and take their children to after-school activities, is being threatened - and it looks like it's only going to get worse," said the RAC's motoring strategist, Adrian Tink.
"UK drivers want action from the government. They already pay the highest duty and tax on fuel in Europe. At the very least, we are calling for fuel duty to be frozen and scheduled inflationary rises to be scrapped."
The figures form part of the organisation's annual report on motoring.
They also found only 18% of drivers questioned thought the drink-drive limit should be kept as it was, with the vast majority wanting it reduced.
And 70% want the speed limit on motorways raised to 80mph or more, but only 6% said they wanted higher speed limits on country roads.
Some 16% thought the limit on urban roads should be increased.
Kia to offer Picanto Bi-Fuel in Europe
Wednesday, 01 June 2011
Korean automaker Kia has announced that its Picanto Bi-Fuel compact sedan will be exported to select European markets in late 2011. Powered by both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and gasoline, the Picanto Bi-Fuel was specifically developed to "overcome range-anxiety problems in Europe and to eliminate cold weather starting problems sometimes associated with LPG engine," a Hyundai-Kia spokesman told Ward's Auto (sub. req.).
The Picanto Bi-Fuel hybrid can travel up to 373 miles in LPG mode and, if needed, up to 115 miles in gasoline mode. Kia says that when the Picanto's engine fires up, it's in gasoline-burning mode. However, the Bi-Fuel switches over to LPG within seconds. The fuel system incorporates an underbody-mounted 35-gallon LPG tank and a 10-gallon gasoline tank.
In Korea, Kia sells the Picanto Bi-Fuel as the Morning Bi-Fuel, which is priced from 10 to 12.4 million won ($9,187 to $11,346 U.S. at the current exchange rate), depending on trim level and options. Kia has yet to announce European pricing for the Picanto Bi-Fuel.
The new VW Caddy BiFuel runs on Autogas (LPG)
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
The popular Caddy van model is now available with an Autogas-powered engine. Not only does the use of this alternative fuel reduce CO2 emissions by over ten percent; it also reduces fuel costs.
- Autogas (LPG) version reduces CO2 emissions by over 10 percent
- Economical and popular alternative fuel model produced in the factory
- The only factory-produced LPG vehicle in its class
Currently, one litre of the liquid natural gas, which enjoys tax incentives until 2018, is about 80 euro cents. This means that the Caddy only needs 8.24 euros of fuel to travel 100 km – a strong argument for this type of drive.
Video: BMW M3 GTS vs Porsche 911 GT3
Saturday, 21 May 2011
The journalists from AutoCar has conducted a comparison between BMW M3 GTS and the Porsche 911 GT3 to conclude if the BMW M3 GTS is really faster than the Porsche 911 GT3. Even though, both cars looks partially identical and have similar power outputs but in order to figure out which sports car is the better for the race track, they took both sports cars to the Millbrook’s Hill Route proving ground.
The BMW M3 GTS is powered by 4.4-liter V6 engine that develops 450 bhp at 8,300 rpm and 440 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm. Thanks to its 7-speed M DCT transmission, the M3 GTS manages 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h).
On the other hand, the Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by 3.6-litre flat 6-cylinder boxer engine developing 435 bhp and 317 lb-ft of torque. While, this engine is mated to 6-speed manual gearbox which enables the car to accelerate form 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) 4.0 seconds and the top speed that can be reached is 194 mph (312 km/h).
Now, you can hit a jump to watch BMW M3 GTS vs Porsche 911 GT3 video for yourself.
BMW M3 GTS vs Porsche 911 GT3 video:
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Cut petrol prices – fill up your car for 75p a litre
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Drivers switching to LPG can reduce what they pay at the pumps by 40%, but converting a vehicle costs £1,400. Is it worth it?
If the big jump in petrol prices has hit your budget hard, why not simply convert your existing model to run on 75p/litre liquefied petroleum gas, and slash your fuel bills by 33%-40%?
With petrol prices already nudging £1.37/litre in many towns, garages offering to convert cars to run on LPG are reporting a big increase in inquiries.
LPG doesn't give quite the same miles per gallon as standard unleaded petrol – typically 15%-20% fewer. But it produces lower C02 emissions – 10-20% less, while particulate emissions are almost zero.
Around 90% of the petrol cars on UK roads can be converted. It costs £1,200 to £1,600 for an average four-cylinder-engine model, and, once adapted, it will run on either petrol or gas. The installer will have to fit a secondary fuel tank in which to store the gas – this typically replaces the spare tyre – and make several changes to the engine.
Finding an LPG station is also becoming easier, although don't convert until you've established if there's a good supplier locally. There are around 1,400 UK garages selling LPG, which sounds a lot, but it's not available in every town. The UKLPG's website has a garage finder based on Google maps, and, of course, there's an iPhone app.
Although you will need to do the sums on your own vehicle, those driving a 35mpg car 14,000 miles a year will save more than £700 a year by switching to LPG – recouping the installation costs in around 18 months to two years. Less economical cars will recoup the investment quicker.
Mike Chapman of the UKLPG Association says technological advances in the last five years have ironed out the problems that some early LPG adopters experienced.
"The latest systems work with the engine management system, and are extremely reliable. Almost all petrol cars can be converted. Some of the newer direct-injection engines are not suitable, but to all other drivers, a correctly installed and maintained system will offer no problems. We know of many cars that have covered 250,000 miles on gas," he says.
He says a UKLPG approved installer – there are 200 across the country – will be able to explain exactly what your car requires.
Engines, he says, that are prone to valve and seat wear will find that this is exacerbated by running on gas. To get round this, installers now fit a lubricating system that adds around £200 to the installation bill.
Chapman runs a high-performance 3.0 litre Audi Quattro and a motorhome – both on LPG. The Audi's fuel consumption falls from around 26mpg on petrol to 21mpg on gas – a 19% loss. The price difference means a big saving.
On his system, the car starts on petrol and then switches to gas automatically after a few miles. His gas tank is in place of the spare wheel, giving him a range of 250 miles. Instead of a spare, he carries a foam tyre repair kit, although he says he hasn't had to use it yet.
Inside the cabin there is a fuel gauge showing the gas tank's level. If you run out of gas en-route, the car seamlessly switches back to petrol.
Remember, you will not be able to drive as far on a tank of gas as you would on petrol – some gas users will get as few as 150-200 miles from a tank – so you'll be filling up more often.
If you can't find gas, you just run on petrol as normal.
You also need to be comfortable losing the space that the tank takes up. Some drivers are happy to forego a spare wheel and use a repair kit. But if you had a bad blow-out that shredded your tyre, you'd have to wait for a tow truck. Another option is to carry a space-saver spare wheel. The system should be inspected each year and will need some minor maintenance which will cost £25-£50.
Drivers who convert their car to run on LPG have to tell their insurer. If you have used an approved installer, you should not see the premium rise, as converted vehicles are not considered any more of a safety risk in the event of an accident. And, because gas burns more cleanly than petrol, engine wear is reduced, so, in theory, your engine lasts longer on gas. Bear in mind, however, that your manufacturer's warranty could be affected.
Once installed, you are entitled to a small discount (£10 or £15 depending on the CO2 rating) on your car tax. You need to apply at your local DVLA office.
The advantage of an LPG Conversion is simply that it lets you keep your existing car, but makes it cheaper to run. But converting will only make sense if you plan to keep it for several years. Convert a three-year-old car, and run it on gas for five years, and you'll easily save £4,000 in reduced fuel bills – assuming the price differential continues – although this is by no means guaranteed. Alternatively, buy a used car that has already been converted.
This week Autotrader was selling an LPG-converted 2002 Vauxhall Astra with 210,000 miles on the clock for £849, and a 118,000-mile model for £1,450. These show that cars can run to big mileages on gas. There are plenty for sale – everything from Protons to Range Rovers.
Prospective buyers need to check the quality of the system. The registration number of all cars that have been converted by an approved installer are held on a UKLPG database.
7 ways to save on petrol
Sunday, 10 April 2011
1. Ditch your car for a car club
It may seem extreme, but getting rid of your car and joining a car club could save you hundreds of pounds. Recent research from Which? Money shows that you could save £800 a year by joining a car club like Zipcar, Streetcar or City Car Club. Find out more in our guide to car hire and car clubs.
2. Shop around for cheap petrol
Brits are now well versed in shopping around for the best deals, be it savings accounts or car insurance. But it pays to shop around for cheap petrol prices too – you could find a petrol station selling fuel at 20p per litre less than you would pay elsewhere.
Brits are now well versed in shopping around for the best deals, be it savings accounts or car insurance. But it pays to shop around for cheap petrol prices too – you could find a petrol station selling fuel at 20p per litre less than you would pay elsewhere.
3. Stick to your allegiances
Loyalty schemes can help you push down the cost of driving. Tesco, for example, gives you 5p off per litre of fuel every time you spend £50 in store, while the Shell Drivers’ Club Card will give you points per litre of petrol you buy, sending discount vouchers for fuel when you reach different thresholds.
Loyalty schemes can help you push down the cost of driving. Tesco, for example, gives you 5p off per litre of fuel every time you spend £50 in store, while the Shell Drivers’ Club Card will give you points per litre of petrol you buy, sending discount vouchers for fuel when you reach different thresholds.
4. Make the most of cashback
Using a credit card that offers cashback can help ease the pain of rising petrol prices. MBNA have recently launched two new credit cards – an American Express card that offers 1.5% cashback at most petrol stations, and a new Visa card that offers 1.25% cashback. Find out more in our guide to cashback credit cards and other perks.
5. Get pumped up
It can really pay to keep your tyres pumped up to save on fuel - US President Barak Obama has been a strong proponent of this. The wrong tyre pressure creates rolling resistance, meaning that your car burns more fuel when you’re driving. If you get it right and keep your tyre pressure consistent, it’s estimated that you could improve fuel efficiency by 10%.
It can really pay to keep your tyres pumped up to save on fuel - US President Barak Obama has been a strong proponent of this. The wrong tyre pressure creates rolling resistance, meaning that your car burns more fuel when you’re driving. If you get it right and keep your tyre pressure consistent, it’s estimated that you could improve fuel efficiency by 10%.
6. Consider a conversion
This takes a bit of speculation, but converting your car so that it runs on Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or LPG, can save you a fortune. The average cost per litre of LPG is 77p – 41% lower than the current unleaded price. It costs around £800 to £1,000 to convert your car to LPG.
This takes a bit of speculation, but converting your car so that it runs on Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or LPG, can save you a fortune. The average cost per litre of LPG is 77p – 41% lower than the current unleaded price. It costs around £800 to £1,000 to convert your car to LPG.
7. Cut your speed (and avoid staying cool)
Did you know that if you cut your speed down from 70mph to 50mph, you reduce your fuel consumption by 15%? Cutting down your speed can go a long way to conserving your petrol, while deciding to leave the air con off and keeping the windows closed also stops your engine from guzzling fuel.
Did you know that if you cut your speed down from 70mph to 50mph, you reduce your fuel consumption by 15%? Cutting down your speed can go a long way to conserving your petrol, while deciding to leave the air con off and keeping the windows closed also stops your engine from guzzling fuel.
Fleets Take Delivery Of New LPG-Powered Mazdas
Wednesday, 09 February 2011
1. Mazda3 and Mazda6 models available for conversion
2. BP, Calor Gas and Gleaner Oils add cars to their fleets
3. Financial savings and emission reductions promised
Mazda has seen an increase in Mazda6 sales to UK fleets who intend to convert the car to liquefied petroleum gas with the expectation of significantly more orders in the pipeline.
Mazda6 LPG conversions have already joined the fleet of the LPG Division of fuel giant BP. Additionally, Mazda3 and Mazda6 models have been ordered by Calor Gas for conversion and Gleaner Oils has three Mazda3 models on order. Mazda is also in talks with a number of other organisations about supplying cars for LPG conversion purposes.
The aftermarket conversions are all being carried out by Prins Autogas UK, which has two in-house conversion centres in the West Midlands and Southampton.
The company, which now also operates a Mazda6 LPG car, is the UK distributor of Prins Autogas Systems, which is owned by Dutch company SHV Gas, which also owns Calor Gas in the UK.
Mazda Fleet and Remarketing Director Peter Allibon said: “Prins Autogas UK undertook the conversion work on behalf of BP after the company ordered its first Mazda models.
“They were so delighted with the conversion and the styling of the model that they contacted Mazda to say they would like to undertake other conversion work in the future. That triggered significant interest from a number of fleets, including Calor Gas and Gleaner Oils, and we are in talks with a number of other businesses interested in taking delivery of LPG converted Mazdas.”
Now Prins Autogas UK is recommending Mazda cars and state: “Mazda’s cars are very high quality and lend themselves for LPG conversion, particularly as having fitted the tank boot space remains significant.”
In 2001, UK sales of LPG cars peaked at 26,000 vehicles, while demand subsequently shrunk after the Government withdrew grants, which helped offset the additional cost of the vehicles. In 2009, 12,500* LPG cars were sold in the UK of which 12,250 were the result of retro-fit conversions.
Nevertheless, Prins UK say: “There is demand for LPG vehicles, particularly in the fleet sector. Conversions cost £1,500 to £2,000 depending on model. LPG remains significantly cheaper than petrol and businesses will recoup the after-market conversion costs, in most cases, within 18 months.”
Average UK fuel prices currently, according to website petrolprices.com are, 128.72p a litre for unleaded petrol, 133.64p a litre for diesel and 76.35p a litre for LPG.
Retro-fit conversions can be carried out on petrol-engined Mazda3 1.6 and 2.0-litre models and petrol-engined Mazda6 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5-litre models.
Environmental benefits include a 10 percent well-to-wheel reduction in CO2 emissions versus both petrol and diesel-engined cars, a 99 percent reduction in particulate matter when compared with diesel-engined cars and a 95 percent saving in nitrogen oxide (NOx) in comparison with diesel-engined cars.
Allibon added: “LPG can provide clear financial fuel savings and environmental benefits, both of which are crucial to fleets with the business focus very much on cost management and carbon footprint reduction.”
Calor Gas, which runs a 185-strong fleet and has now adopted an all-LPG company car requirement, recently added Mazda to its three-badge company car choice list.
Ian Davis, Group Purchasing Manager, said: “We broadened the choice of cars for our drivers with the addition of both the Mazda3 and Mazda6. We are delighted at Mazda’s decision to move into LPG and the move is proving popular with staff. We already have four Mazda6 models and two Mazda3 models on order. I anticipate that more orders will follow this year.”
The LPG division of BP has already taken delivery of four Mazda6 LPG cars and has a number of other cars on order.
Joseph Corless, BP LPG Manager, said: “We are delighted to see Mazda’s interest in supporting the autogas market in the UK. Autogas is one of the few real alternatives offering environmental benefits at lower cost to the motorist. BP is also committed to supporting this market.”
Scotland-headquartered Gleaner Oils distributes all types of fuel including LPG and either owns or suppliers 32 autogas outlets. The company operates a fleet of 40 company cars and vans of which 35 run on LPG and believes it is a shrewd way to promote the benefits of autogas.
Managing director David Todd said: “We expect to take delivery of the Mazda3 LPG cars early this year. These will be the first Mazdas to join our fleet. The brand was recommended to us as an alternative to our previous marques, which have moved away from LPG.”
New Euro 5 Citroen Nemo - cleaner, greener and carries more
Friday, 21 January 2011
Robert Handyside, Citroën's commercial vehicle operations manager, explains that the new Nemo features a more powerful, higher-torque, more fuel-efficient and lower-emissions 1.3HDi diesel engine.
Compared to the Nemo's previous Euro 4 1.4HDi engine, the new unit boosts power from 70 to 75hp, while increasing peak torque to 190Nm at 1,500 rpm (previously 160Nm at 1,750rpm).
That results in 55.4mpg urban cycle fuel consumption (up 10.5%), 74.3mpg extra urban cycle and 65.7mpg combined cycle. Also, CO2 emissions ar now 113g/km and the engine is fitted with a self-regenerating DPF (diesel particulate filter) system.
"The new Euro 5 Nemo … carries more, while using less fuel and also has significantly lower CO2 emissions," says Handyside, adding that it also feature the firm's Stop & Start technology, which further improves emissions and fuel consumption.
In operation, as the driver brakes to a halt, the engine stops and remains in standby mode all the time there is pressure on the footbrake. As soon as the driver releases the footbrake the engine restarts automatically, within a fraction of a second.
And the gains are similar for the new Euro 5 Nemo 1.4i petrol engine version. Although power and torque figures are unchanged against its earlier counterpart, the urban cycle of 35.3mpg shows a 9% improvement, while the extra urban cycle figure is up 8.4% and combined cycle is 7.3% better at 44.1mpg, with CO2 emissions now down at 148g/km, from 164g/km.
Interestingly, the Euro 5 1.4i powered Nemo van is primarily available for ready to run dual fuel (petrol/LPG) conversion.
As for the payload, the new Nemo 1.3HDi boasts a 50kg increase to 660kg, while the 1.4i petrol engined Nemo retains its 610 designation. Looking at volume, however, the Extenso folding passenger seat (now standard) increases space by 0.3cu.m to 2.8cu.m and lengthens the load deck length alongside the driver by 968mm to 2,491mm.
Compared to the Nemo's previous Euro 4 1.4HDi engine, the new unit boosts power from 70 to 75hp, while increasing peak torque to 190Nm at 1,500 rpm (previously 160Nm at 1,750rpm).
That results in 55.4mpg urban cycle fuel consumption (up 10.5%), 74.3mpg extra urban cycle and 65.7mpg combined cycle. Also, CO2 emissions ar now 113g/km and the engine is fitted with a self-regenerating DPF (diesel particulate filter) system.
"The new Euro 5 Nemo … carries more, while using less fuel and also has significantly lower CO2 emissions," says Handyside, adding that it also feature the firm's Stop & Start technology, which further improves emissions and fuel consumption.
In operation, as the driver brakes to a halt, the engine stops and remains in standby mode all the time there is pressure on the footbrake. As soon as the driver releases the footbrake the engine restarts automatically, within a fraction of a second.
And the gains are similar for the new Euro 5 Nemo 1.4i petrol engine version. Although power and torque figures are unchanged against its earlier counterpart, the urban cycle of 35.3mpg shows a 9% improvement, while the extra urban cycle figure is up 8.4% and combined cycle is 7.3% better at 44.1mpg, with CO2 emissions now down at 148g/km, from 164g/km.
Interestingly, the Euro 5 1.4i powered Nemo van is primarily available for ready to run dual fuel (petrol/LPG) conversion.
As for the payload, the new Nemo 1.3HDi boasts a 50kg increase to 660kg, while the 1.4i petrol engined Nemo retains its 610 designation. Looking at volume, however, the Extenso folding passenger seat (now standard) increases space by 0.3cu.m to 2.8cu.m and lengthens the load deck length alongside the driver by 968mm to 2,491mm.
World’s fastest LPG - powered car: M5 HURRICANE GS - top speed 333 km/h
Sunday, 16 January 2011
G-POWER is known first and foremost for spectacular supercars, enormous power hikes and world speed records. What is less well-known, however, is the fact that environmental protection and resource conservation also enjoy a high priority in all G-POWER developments.
The power increases achieved by G-POWER are not paid for by an exorbitant rise in fuel consumption, but by maximization of the specific efficiency of the modified driveline. In its December 2008 issue, German magazine “Auto Bild sportscars” calculated an average fuel consumption of 18.3 l/100 km for the G-POWER M6 HURRICANE equipped with a 635 hp bi-supercharger system. In the January 2009 issue, the series production BMW M6 was found to have a fuel consumption of 18.1 l/100 km. This equates to an added fuel consumption of around 1% paired with a power increase of around 25%!
The whole package becomes even more environmentally friendly when the increased output is delivered courtesy of LPG instead of petrol. The conversion, however, is not that straightforward, even for series production high-revving engines. The even bigger challenge comes when the engine in question is also supercharged via two ASA radial compressors. By lucky coincidence, G-POWER is not only a supercharging specialist, but also one that happens to have particular expertise with BMW V10 power units. It is not without reason that G-POWER is the only company worldwide to offer an aftermarket supercharger system for the BMW V10 engine.
The outcome is the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE GS equipped with one fully sequential five-cylinder LPG system per cylinder bank. The benefits of LPG as a fuel are both economical and ecological in nature – not only is LPG around 50% less expensive per litre than petrol, it also reduces CO2 emissions by around 15 percent.
That said, there can be no sacrificing the hallmark G-POWER performance increase. 660 hp and 650 Nm of torque are the figures achieved by the SK II bi-supercharger system thanks to low-pressure forced induction with a relative charge pressure of 0.6 bar. Each cylinder bank of the 5.0l V10 power plant is equipped with a belt-driven ASA T1-313 compressor. Compared with conventional mechanical superchargers, which consume a large proportion of the additional power generated to drive themselves, ASA compressors have an efficiency rating of up to 80 percent. They thus form the ideal foundation for efficient forced induction, as well as increased output with an eye on resource conservation.
Downstream of the two ASA compressors, the pre-compressed charge air is brought down to performance enhancing temperatures by the twin-scroll, water-cooled intercooler finished in G-POWER’s characteristic orange. This sophisticated cast aluminium component replaces the series production airbox above the engine, where its short airways facilitate the same spontaneous responsiveness as the series production engine, albeit combined with a considerable benefit in torque. The superiority of the G-POWER compressor system is particularly evident when it comes to low-end torque, which is one weakness in the high-revving concept favoured by M GmbH. At long last, the 5.0l V10 offers impressive power delivery, of the kind that many customers might reasonably have expected from the series production version. Specifically developed mapping of the engine electronics and SMG transmission control ensure perfect interaction of all components.
08.09.2010, 02:48 hours, local time. A desolate strip of autobahn close to G-POWER headquarters in Autenzell. The final test on the G-POWER development protocol is, as always, the calculation of top speed. With a sonorous growl from the G-POWER SPEED-Flow exhaust, the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE GS lets loose, just a few seconds later reaching its top speed of 333 km/h – a world record for an LPG car. With this world speed record, G-POWER delivers an impressive demonstration that high performance and environmental compatibility don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Of course, it’s not just in top speed that the G-POWER HURRICANE GS achieves top marks. From a standing start, it sprints to 100 km/h in only 4.6 seconds. The 2-tonne saloon passes the 200 km/h mark in a total of just 11.4 seconds.
The immense forces that lie behind these figures are transmitted to the road via 9.0 x 20-inch and 10.5 x 20-inch forged SILVERSTONE CLUBSPORT alloy rims clad in 255/35 ZR 20 and 285/30 ZR 20 MICHELIN tyres. Thanks to their race-proven production technology, the G-POWER wheels are no heavier than the series production wheels, despite their larger dimensions. The resulting reduction in unsprung masses ensures better acceleration and greater agility through corners.
Further contributors to the high-speed capability of the HURRICANE GS are the G-POWER high-performance braking system and the G-POWER RS coil-over sports suspension, with 9-way adjustability for compression and rebound plus infinitely variable height adjustment.
The G-POWER SK II bi-supercharger system incl. conversion to LPG is also available for the current BMW M5 and M6.
Greeks coming to Turkey for LPG conversion
Sunday, 02 January 2011
Due to the rising cost of fuel oil in Greece, many Greek automobile owners have begun to convert their gasoline-powered cars into liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, systems in Turkey.
Many of the Greeks are coming to have the conversion conducted in Balat, an Istanbul neighborhood that is also close to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, a main attraction for many tourists from Turkey’s Aegean neighbor.
Especially in the last one and half months, the number of people from Greece coming to Turkey for the LPG conversion has increased, according to Orhan Kan, service manager of Haliç Otomotiv, an auto gas system company in Balat.
“We have converted some 20 Greek costumers’ car into LPG system so far,” he said. “We converted [the first car] in one day. After this, our business has increasingly improved. There are some others who will come for the same reason.”
The company can convert a gasoline-powered car into an LPG system for roughly 1,000 Turkish Liras, Kan said.
Italian Gasitaly is also selling LPG systems to Greece from Italy. The company, which had exports of 200,000 euros in the previous three-month period, aims to increase its exports to Greece to 2 million euros in 2011.
Boom in various fields
Shopping opportunities have also increased in Balat for tourists visiting the neighborhood. In addition to religious gifts, tourists have been attracted to the Urfa market, where various types of sucuk, a dry and spicy sausage special to Turkish cuisine, are sold.
“[Greeks] love these tastes more than we do,” said a shopkeeper in Balat.
The store owners, who have been pleased with the increasing numbers of Greek tourists visiting their shops, have erected Greek-language signs in the Urfa market next to Turkish ones.
The neighborhood has also experienced a boom in the real estate sector with people from Italy and the Netherlands especially showing great interest in Balat’s old historical houses.
Italians buy houses to live in, according to İlyas Bardak of Varlık Emlak, a real estate agency in the area. “In the recent period, we have also received some demand from the United States. Greek nationals want to buy houses but due to the ban [on Greeks owning Turkish property], they cannot.”
Even in the areas of Balat that are further inland from the Golden Horn, the prices of one square meter has risen to 2,000 liras, Bardak said.
“This area was a forgotten place for many long years. Now, it has come to life. There are some people who have put their houses up for sale for 1 million euros,” he said.
