Newly-Converted Propane-Powered Mazda

The newly-converted Mazda 6 features the latest LPG technology, using existing petrol injectors to inject the LPG, also known as propane. Propane-powered vehicles can save up to 40 percent on vehicle running costs. (image: Mazda UK)

Autogas has teamed up with Mazda to unveil a newly converted propane-powered passenger vehicle in United Kingdom, theautochannel.com reported.

Autogas has seen a surge in interest from fleet managers following the conversion of a Mazda 6 to run on LPG – liquid petroleum gas- also known as propane. More than seven million vehicles currently run on propane in Europe. Autogas is the world’s third most popular vehicle fuel behind gasoline and diesel.

Unveiling the new vehicle recently to showcase how companies can run greener fleets while also saving up to 40 percent on running costs, Autogas manager Paul Oxford said interest in LPG-fueled vehicles had exceeded expectations.

We have been working with Mazda for several months to offer fleet customers an alternative to petrol and diesel-fueled models.

Initial feedback has been very positive. Many fleet managers took up the offer of a test drive and Mazda received significant interest from people requesting more information on how LPG could benefit their fleet.

The Mazda 6 LPG is fitted with the latest LPG technology, using existing petrol injectors to inject the LPG. But at a time of ever increasing petrol and diesel prices the most attractive benefit for fleet users is reduced running costs.

LPG is significantly cheaper than traditional vehicle fuels and can deliver savings of up to 40 percent. It has an established and easily accessible refueling network across Europe and is available from 1400 public refueling points in the UK.

It is also growing in popularity here in the US. Domestic propane production is booming thanks to a surge in shale gas reserves and there are autogas refueling stations in every state.

“When much is being made of emerging alternative fuel technology, which can have its limitations, it’s worth reminding people that LPG is a here and now fuel,” Oxford said.

The environmental benefits of LPG will also be attractive to fleet managers trying to reduce their vehicles’ environmental impact, Oxford added. LPG-fueled vehicles produce far less carbon dioxide and other nasty emissions than equivalent petrol or diesel vehicles.

European tests showed that vehicles running on petrol can produce up to 20.3 percent more carbon dioxide than those running on LPG. In terms of oxides of nitrogen, which is equally as harmful to the environment and in particular to local air quality, it takes 20 LPG powered vehicles to produce the same amount as one diesel vehicle.

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