| Australian businesses and private motorists are embracing the economic and environmental benefits of LPG Autogas in record numbers.National sales of new LPG Autogas-powered passenger and light commercial vehicles increased 139 per cent in 2006, according to figures recently released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
LPG industry peak body LPG Australia said continuing uncertainty over petrol prices and increased public awareness of the fuel’s key benefits resulted in motorists adopting LPG Autogas in droves in 2006.
“LPG Autogas is the ideal fuel for our time and its affordability, availability and green credentials are being increasingly recognised," said LPG Australia’s Industry Development Manager, Phil Westlake.
"Autogas uptake across the board in 2006 was exceptional – the figures speak for themselves."
Sales of Autogas passenger cars to fleets and business increased in 2006 by more than 2500 vehicles, or 48 per cent, according to FCAI statistics.
Sales of Autogas light commercial vehicles increased 93.6 per cent.
In contrast, sales of petrol-powered vehicles in all categories decreased from 2005 figures.
Sales in the light commercial private category dropped by a whopping 29.3 percent in 2006.
The latest figures released by AusIndustry confirm Autogas’ popularity.Over 25,396 motorists have received $50.48 million in grants since the introduction of the Federal Government’s LPG Vehicle Scheme in October 2006.Under the scheme, private motorists are eligible to receive a $2000 grant for an Autogas conversion or a $1000 grant for purchasing a new Autogas-powered vehicle.LPG Australia welcomed the latest figures and said high demand for Autogas vehicles will continue.
It expects the conversion market to grow from a level of 45,000 per year prior to the introduction of the scheme to around 105,000 in 2007, based on last year’s growth and increased awareness of the benefits of Autogas.
Sales of new factory-built LPG vehicles are also forecast to increase from 15,000 to 30,000.“The Federal Government is to be commended for encouraging private motorists to use Autogas," said Mr Westlake."At current price differentials, motorists switching from petrol to Autogas would typically save $4 for every $10 spent on fuel.Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources Ian Macfarlane said: "The scheme has struck a chord with motorists and it is very pleasing to see such an overwhelming response from people converting to LPG as an alternative transport fuel.”
Mr Westlake said that factory Autogas vehicles and conversions are also increasingly popular in the business sector.“Fleet managers and business administrators have also realised when crunching the numbers that Autogas is too affordable, too clean and too widely available to ignore.
"It is the clear winner when it comes to powering most motor vehicles,” he said.The Autogas website features a calculator that allows visitors to easily determine fuel savings, and it is also a rich source of Autogas and LPG Vehicle Scheme information.
Mr Westlake said the LPG industry has responded well to a relative shortage of conversion kits – brought about by high driver uptake – by increasing conversion kit volumes and installation capacity by almost double the previous level in a few short months.He said that while the waiting period for conversions immediately after the scheme's introduction had in some cases been up to 12 months, it was now back to around three months. |
