November Editorial

Autogas now has a new dedicated website in which aims to become the online resource for the Autogas community! Many of you have followed the development of this global platform which showcases news from around the world. News like on how new engine technology will make Autogas stand out further in front of petrol and diesel by raising the efficiency a notch or two higher and by emitting almost no particles. Or how the Australian market is gearing up to master the upcoming transformation of the market to smaller cars. How large automotive manufacturers are producing modern Autogas versions right out of the factory, like Toyota’s JPN Taxi Concept, a modern LPG/electric hybrid tailored to the needs of a bustling metropolis. Bookmark www.auto-gas.net and visit regularly to keep updated. More importantly Autogas has been included in all major Directives that were worked on in the past year in Europe and thus clearly maintained and expanded its position as an alternative fuel in Europe. Autogas is also included in road maps such as the one recently released by LowCVP (Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) an organisation which promotes the use of low carbon fuels such as natural gas, electricity and renewables. The study conducted by Element Energy highlights that a “greater LPG market uptake could save 0.1 Mt of CO2 emissions by 2030 in the car sector alone”, if only the manufacturers were to offer LPG vehicles on the UK market. Dovetailing with these findings another study conducted by Autogas Limited in the UK shows that while about 30% of  drivers asked would consider converting their car. In contrast nearly every second Londoner would choose an Autogas car over any other option should it be available from the manufacturer. The success of alternative fuels is closely linked to the support they receive from the governments. The WLPGA Autogas Incentive Policies document clearly shows that a certain price difference clearly favours the uptake. The bias toward Autogas should be larger at the beginning in order to trigger growth. As the infrastructure is established and conversions (or the Autogas option from the manufacturer) become cheaper the offset with respect to other fuels can be reduced. The fiscal load for the government is actually reduced as the numbers grow! The document provides in detail information and has been recently updated. It is news like the above which create a good long term vision. This is obviously necessary to encourage governments in maintaining LPG in their considerations about the future fuel mix. A positive attitude which could be experienced at this year’s World LP Gas Forum in Miami. Only that way will future Autogas driver and his neighbours benefit from the economic respective ecological aspects of this truly exceptional energy!