Monday, July 25, 2011
By Pranjal Gera
Premium car buyers looking for CNG versions
With petrol prices on fire even the premium car buyers are looking for CNG vehicles. Compressed Natural Gas is cheaper than both diesel and petrol and it also gives improved mileage. Companies trading CNG kit reported a rise of 25-30 percent in demand of CNG kits by premium car owners.
Indian buyers are looking for CNG version in premium cars like Honda City, Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Toyota Corolla Altis and Toyota Camry. In past few years, there is a jump in sales of small CNG cars like Hyundai Santro Xing, Maruti Alto and Maruti Wagon R.
Reported by a source, the number of private cars in a month for fixing CNG kits has reached to 300-400 cars this year which is a major jump from 40 cars per month of last year. CNG is cheaper than both diesel and petrol and more fuel efficient can lead to 70 percent saving. A person can get an increased 27 km mileage and two kgs of CNG in cost of one ltr petrol.
CNG Kits costs around 25000-30000 and are shipped from Italy and Argentina. The kits enable car engines to use both petrol and natural gas as fuel. The CNG kit is also getting more popular than LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), as the price of LPG fluctuates.
CNG as an alternative fuel is a life savor for middle class families in the country as central bank has increased loan rates and fuel prices are on fire. The dealers of CNG kits are trying for approval from the transport offices for premium cars. The customers can go to the pumps for refueling only after the dealers get the approval. Kit dealers are seeking permission for Mercedes and BMW.
