Holden and Ford bring out new dedicated Autogas models in Australia
By Karrisa Carkeet, Coordinator – Administration and Communications, LPG Australia

It is an exciting time in the Australian Autogas industry as Ford and General Motors Holden introduce their innovative new models of Autogas-powered vehicles.

The more recent of the two vehicles is the much anticipated Holden Commodore dedicated Autogas (LPG) range. After much debate over duel fuel or dedicated Autogas, Holden decided to develop a true Autogas dedicated vehicle to add to their Ecoline model. The cars look exactly the same as their petrol-engined counterparts but run on Autogas instead.

The heart of the dedicated LPG Commodore is its 3.6-litre, double overhead cam V6 engine with four valves per cylinder. This advanced engine has been specifically developed to run on Autogas, therefore allowing extensive design optimisation in several key areas.

The LPG Commodore Omega sedan emits just 189g/CO2 per kilometre – the lowest figure of any locally-built six-cylinder sedan. LPG Commodore’s environmental credentials are further bolstered by exceeding stringent Beyond Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards across the range. The entire LPG Commodore range has been awarded an outstanding 4.5 out 5 score in the Green Vehicle Guide.

Richard Marshall, Holden’s Energy, Environment and Technology Director, said “Every one of the new LPG range achieves CO2 emissions of under 200 grams. The Commodore sits at 189. Australia produces over 2.737 kilotonnes of LPG per annum, yet we only need around 1.8 kilotonnes of it to sustain LPG cars. We have plenty going around, it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than regular unleaded and a lot better for the environment too.”

Yet the low fuel running costs and reduced environmental impact of the LPG Commodore doesn’t come at the cost of practicality. The LPG Omega sedan’s impressive range of more than 700 km ensures that ‘range anxiety’ is not an issue. And Holden engineers moved the LPG fuel tank from the boot and relocated it rearward of the rear axle – giving customers maximised boot space and addressing a traditional shortcoming of most LPG vehicles.

Holden is expanding the appeal of the Autogas stable by offering the full range of body styles for the first time: sedan, Sportwagon, ute and long wheelbase variants are available. 

The Autogas versions cost around $2 500 more than the gasoline-powered models. But the Federal Government offers a $2 000 rebate if you buy an Autogas model and apply for the rebate when you register the vehicle, so the additional cost is only about $500. Holden claims that this can be paid back after around six months of regular driving.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux, said: “The dedicated LPG Commodore range is yet another example of Holden’s continued focus on making cars that suit modern Australia and is the next step in the evolution of the VE Commodore. We are offering sophisticated motoring solutions to our customers.

“The LPG Commodore range is a no-compromise prospect. With outstanding fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, cheaper fuel running costs than many small petrol cars and excellent driving characteristics, our customers will be able to enjoy the practicality and comfort of a large car without the large car fuel bills.”

Autogas has been a part of the Holden portfolio since the first Holden-approved Autogas system was introduced on VP Commodore nearly 20 years ago. Technology has moved forward in leaps and bounds since then, culminating in the advanced dedicated Autogas system now offered in the Commodore.There has been significant national media coverage on the new dedicated Autogas vehicles offerings, including articles from a variety of driving enthusiasts, magazines and online blogs. Along with a range of articles on the new Autogas-powered range, Holden also released a national advertisement on Australia Day giving the launch of the Autogas vehicle its first mention in a Holden television commercial.

Following the Holden launch, the Canberra Times conducted an online poll on whether their readers would buy a dedicated Autogas vehicle. Well over a half of the 1 600 respondents responded positively, while another quarter said that it would depend on the car. Confirmation, if were needed, that Autogas is continuing to prove a popular fuel choice for Australian motorists.

Autogas is a fantastic low-cost alternative fuel – typically costing at least 30% less than petrol – and is sourced and refined locally, meaning its use pays back into the Australian industry and economy. Autogas-powered vehicles emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants compared with petrol-powered equivalents. It produces 10% to 15% less CO2 and substantially fewer hydrocarbon emissions than petrol. And with more than 3 300 metropolitan and rural outlets Australia-wide, the LPG/Autogas infrastructure is extensive and well-established.

For more information on Autogas in Australia please visit www.poweredbygas.com.au.
If you wish to contact Karissa Carkeet at LPG Australia, you can reach her by email at: kcarkeet@alpga.asn.au.