Switch to LPG

MID YEAR SPIKE

Thousands of Australian Motorists switched from petrol to LPG mid year to gain the $2000 government conversion grant.

More than 14,400 vehicles joined the last minute rush to convert to running on cleaner and greener Autogas before the grant was trimmed to $1750 on July 1. ( trimmed again to $1500 in 2010)

This is the number of government grants paid in June and July to private individuals who installed LPG or bought new Autogas powered vehicles.

Companies and fleets who buy LPG vehicles or convert them do not qualify for the grant - although they comprise a further significant number.

So far this year another 37,357 private motorists have changed to Autogas power. In 2008 there was a record 125,000 extra motorists moving over to LPG, the third boom year in a row and represented a tripling of conversion rates since 2005.

Recent motor press claims that Australians are driving away from LPG - because in 2008 only 527 LPG cars were sold to private buyers - could not be further from the truth, according to LPG Australia's CEO Mike Carmody.

"Conversions have always accounted for more than 90 per cent of Autogas vehicles and there are 2,233 businesses out there installing LPG," he said.

And next year there are new models coming from Ford and Holden featuring the latest liquid injection technology and a world first LPG-electric hybrid from Kia."

Gail Lee-Williams was part of the rush to switch to LPG in June.

An Administration Officer with W K Civil on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Gail spent $5,350 (less the $2,000 grant) to install LPG on her 2009 Holden International Sportwagon and to take advantage of the Government rebate.

"My two main reasons for the conversion were to do my bit for a greener planet and of course to halve my fuel costs.," she said.

"The installation was a smooth process, thanks to the guys at Marjac Car Care & LPG Conversions and they have since done the check-up, with no problems.

"I was naive about LPG and the conversion but once Marjac explained the process and how it all worked, I was confident to tackle my first fill up - and was delighted that refuelling with liquid gas is not an issue.
"I drive to work and sometimes around to work sites to collect paperwork and I have clocked up 4,000 kms since I changed to Autogas.

"During the winter months I had no trouble in starting up and found that I had instant power especially when overtaking. Hopefully, this will be the first of more LPG cars in our firm's carpark. "
The LP gas conversion is an IMPCO BRC sequential vapour injection, the same bi-fuel system as Holden offers on its Commodore Omega and Berlina models.

A typical six cylinder petrol engine travels 15,000 kms p.a. and on average consumes 0.12 litres of petrol per km. With petrol at 128.5 cpl in Maroochydore, that costs $2, 313 in annual fuel costs.
With LPG at 55.9cpl using 0.156 litres per km, the cost is $1,308, which is a clear $1000 annual saving which would nearly pay the net cost of the Autogas conversion in three years. LPG cars sell for a premium at auction.

 For further information contact LPG Australia on 02 93194733

Government LPG grants scheme may help you !

The LPG Vehicle Scheme provides a grant of :

• $1750 for an approved and fitted LPG conversion of a new or used motor vehicle for private use

• $2000 will be paid for a factory-fitted LPG-dedicated vehicle for private use.

The Application Form, together with more information on how to complete and lodge the form is available from the government's website http://www.ausindustry.gov.au/

LPG AutoGas - The Better Fuel Alternative

Whether you're a private motorist, a small business or manager of a large fleet, the benefits of LPG are too great to ignore. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a proven high performance, clean, efficient and economical alternative to petrol. Both Petrol and Diesel fumes are among the greatest sources of pollutants suffered by the environment today.

Sequential Gas Injection

This is the latest technology from Europe has been tested and approved for Australia. It is an electronically controlled LPG system for vehicles with petrol sequential injection.

The Multipoint sequential system employs an ECU that controls the gas injection sequence and the timing. Gas is injected through a rail of injectors directly into the inlet manifold thus obtaining a particularly precise mix to optimise the combustion process.

With LPG AutoGas Vehicles :

• Carbon Monoxide emissions are around 80% less than Petrol and 40% less than Diesel.
• Hydrocarbon emissions are around 60% less than Petrol and 50% less than Diesel
• Nitrous Oxide (NOx) emissions are around 80% less than Petrol and 90% less than Diesel.

Spiralling petrol prices, diminishing world oil reserves, and the need to reduce motoring costs wherever possible have seen many individuals and companies consider the LPG Autogas alternative. Those that have made the change to LPG rarely go back to petrol. Why? Because LPG Autogas not only substantially reduces fuel costs, it reduces engine wear and thus maintenance costs, it improves engine smoothness and reliability, and it has virtually the same power output as petrol. Over 97% of taxis and 500,000 fleet and private vehicles now operate on LPG in Australia, a powerful testimony to the benefits of LPG Autogas.

Furthermore a quality LP Gas conversion system would allow you to save between 40 - 60% of your vehicles total fuel costs, with those costs being recouped within 30,000 - 40,000 kilometres. So if you want to dramatically reduce your motoring costs "by half" you need to change only one thing - the fuel. You will enjoy huge savings each year and to compliment that saving - your vehicles will have the extra added benefit of Duel fuel - thus allowing you to cover a greater range.