Popularity in L.P.G. on the increase

Press, 12 July 1985, Page 21

Popularity in L.P.G. on the increase

PA Wellington A national survey of L.P.G. and C.N.G. vehicle installers points to the increasing popularity of L.P.G.

Bookings for alternative fuel conversions for July favour L.P.G. by two to one, the survey of 10 per cent of New Zealand’s installers shows.

The survey, covering 115 installers, was commissioned by the L.P.G. industry and taken last week by McComish Research, Ltd, a Wellington firm.

Demand for conversion dropped 12 per cent for L.P.G. and 16 per cent for C.N.G., since the Government reduced its alternative fuels incentive scheme early last month, the survey shows. Half of the installers did not know which fuel was more popular, or predicted no change, 42 per cent said

there was a definite movement to L.P.G. and 8 per cent said C.N.G. was more popular.

The development and marketing of C.N.G. has had a head start on L.P.G. Only 30,000 of the country’s 120,000 alternative fuelpowered vehicles now drive on L.P.G. But L.P.G.’s share of the alternative fuels market will increase, the survey indicates. The public relations officer for the C.N.G. industry, Mr lan Anthony, said the C.N.G. industry expected L.P.G. to catch up. “We are quite happy to live together.” Motorists had to weigh up the benefits of each fuel, he said.

While C.N.G. was cheaper, L.P.G. had greater range, less power loss, a lighter tank and was available in the South Island, whereas

C.N.G. was not. Mr Anthony said a theoretical exercise based on a 2000 cu. cm car fitted with a $2OOO alternative fuel system travelling 20,000 km a year showed C.N.G. to be considerably cheaper.

A motorist who borrowed money to fit either a C.N.G. or L.P.G. system under present Government incentives would have to pay a 25 per cent deposit and repay the balance over two years at 17 per cent interest.

Taking into consideration the running costs (41c per litre equivalent for C.N.G., 62c per litre equivalent for L.P.G. and 99c per litre for petrol) the cost of running a C.N.G.-powered car for the two years of the loan would be $132.50 a month. A petrol-powered car would cost $165 a month, while L.P.G. would cost $170.83.