Impressive Targets to Increase NGV and Station Population in 2010-2030

Volume II Number 9 february 2007 Impressive targets to increase NGV and station population in 2010-2030

Pakistan ngvgroup.com 600 new stations, and Free global statistics sales tax exemption in the world’s biggest for CNG buses NGV portal

2 February 2007 Summary

Vigorous targets and increasing 04 usage of methane vehicles

Asian NGV Communications is a publication The 2005-2006 review on statistics of NGV Communications Group, publishing shows that six Asian countries are in house and fairs-conferences organizer: the top ten lists of countries with www.ngvgroup.com largest growth in NGV and/or NG ... In Europe, we print The Gas Vehicles Report, GVR, and www.ngvguide.com, the International NGV Guide. With new tax exemption, cheaper In Argentina, the Group publishes Prensa 11 methane buses for Pakistan Vehicular, Argentine CNG Guide, maps, books and brochures while in Brazil, Folha The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) do GNV, Brazilian NGV Guide, maps and has announced sales tax exemption on posters, among others. More info: www.ngvgroup.com import and local supply of dedicated The signed articles are exclusive responsibility of CNG buses and all other buses ... the authors, as well as advertising companies and agencies are responsible for the published ads. Hytane vehicles with a blend of is member of the ANGVA (Asia Pacific 16 CNG and hydrogen fuel for India NGV Association) New Delhi will have a unit of hydrogen filling facility with a dispenser each for fuelling pure hydrogen and a mix of hydrogen and CNG in 2007... 300-5, Changchon-Ri ■ Namsan-Myun Chuncheon-Si ■ Kangwon-Do ■ 200-911 Tel. and fax.: +82 33 260 3419 China, world’s 2nd largest CNG is the way to go: it is +31 23 562 2582 17 vehicle market 26 cheap and widely available [email protected] ■ www.asiangv.com

Bangladesh cuts vehicle fuel Over 75% of the 18 cost by 75% by driving NGVs 27 exhibition is sold

Malaysia moving towards US Secretaries attend US/Korea Clean 20 30,000 NGVs and more 28 Energy Initiatives Event in Seoul

Holland Office Center ■ Kruisweg 813 - A 2132 NG Hoofddorp ■ Nederland The largest NGV gateway Expand your market and Tel. +31 23 562 2582 ■ Fax: +31 84 22 77 801 25 in the world 30 increase sales in Asia [email protected] ■ www.thegvr.com Copies Distribution

Vicolo Gonzaga 13 ■ 46045 Marmirolo (Mn) We print and mail to 24 Egypt: 5.0% Thailand: 1,000 copies Tel.: +39 0376 294055 countries about 4,000 India: 9.0% In addition, the magazine is [email protected] ■ www.thegvr.com copies addressed to Indonesia: 4.0% accessible to 16,400 more government related offices, Iran: 6.0% e-readers in 94 countries as it private and public vehicle Israel: 0.5% is available online in fleets, OEMs and Oil & Gas Japan: 9.0% www.asiangv.com. Uspallata 711 ■ CP 1268 Capital Federal ■ Argentina companies, associations, Korea: 12.5% If your business is in Asia, Tel./Fax: +54 11 43074559 /5201/ 43006137 refuelling stations, Malaysia: 6.0% advertise with us. [email protected] workshop and suppliers, Myanmar: 0.5% www.prensavehicular.com and companies related to New Zealand: 2.0% Asian NGV Communications NGV industry, according to Pakistan: 8.5% 300-5, Changchon-Ri, the following list: Philippines: 2.0% Namsan-Myun, Russia: 1.5% Chuncheon-Si, Kangwon-Do, Av. Rio Branco, 131 Sala 1.701 CEP: 20040-006 Rio de Janeiro - RJ Armenia: 1.0% Singapore: 3.0% 200-911, KOREA Tel: + (55 21) 2215-0799 Australia: 4.5% Taiwan: 0.5% Tel: +31 23 562 2582 Tel: + (5521) 2232-6798 Azerbaijan: 0.2% Turkey: 4.0% Tel: +82 33 260 3419 [email protected] Bangladesh: 5.5% United Arab Emirates: 2.0% [email protected] www.folhadognv.com China: 12.5% Vietnam: 0.3% www.asiangv.com

4 February 2007

Vigorous targets and increasing usage of methane vehicles

The 2005-2006 review on statistics shows that six Asian countries are in the top ten lists of countries with largest growth in NGV and/or NG fuelling Egypt station population. Iran Moreover, five Asian countries-- Pakistan, India, Iran, China, and Egypt-- China Pakistan are within the world’s top-ten biggest NGV countries. Among those, China, Iran, and Pakistan are consistently India appearing in the above-mentioned three lists for a few years already. This, and many related activities to boost NGV usage, has made Asia a new favourite region in the methane Five remarkable nations in the NGV world in Asia vehicle industry. Entering 2007, our region continues attracting investors huge jump from the current 150,000 plan to expand its natural gas pipeline with many new projects, national existing vehicles. About 20,000 units of network to cover up 60% of all vehicles targets, and favourable the target are expected to be buses. in the country. Supply of natural gas will regulations. Although many are still converted be increased from 5 mt to 25 mt, vehicles, over 1 million OEM NGVs - according to Greg Solomon, Eden Pakistan bifuel and dedicated- are planned to be Energy’s Executive Chairman. India is In 2007, about 600 new provisional produced locally. A taxi company in Iran moving toward hytane vehicle market licenses to establish NG stations will be is also considering ordering 8,000 units that uses a blend of hydrogen and CNG offered by the authority to enlarge the of CNG VW Caddy to join "clean to fuel vehicles. Vehicles powered by a supplying network and allow an even vehicle" fleet. mix of CNG and 10% hydrogen can use bigger adoption of methane vehicles. CNG engines with a minor modification, Besides the already implemented tax China while the ones using more than 10% exemptions on equipment for CNG The 2010 national target in China has hydrogen need significant changes. This refuelling stations and vehicle been surpassed in 2006! And the year, a fuelling station to supply 1,000 conversion, the government also government keeps advocating the hydrogen and hythane vehicles will be encourages private sector to establish industry by encouraging citizens to use available in New Delhi. more CNG equipment manufacturers CNG vehicles. Projects, such as and to open new fuelling facilities. By provision of CNG buses for the 2008 Egypt December 2006, the government Olympic in Beijing, are pushed forward. This country has underlined its issued sales tax exemption for imported LNG is also joining the market as importance in the industry by hosting and locally made CNG buses for public research and promotion programme to the last International NGV exhibition and transport use. Pakistan vehicle introduce LNG buses is soon to be conference in Cairo, in 2006. Egypt is conversion rate reaches up to 100,000 launched in selected cities. Other ranked as the fifth NGV country in Asia, vehicles per year. Although the national alternative fuels are also supported, yet, number tenth in the world. About target is set at 1.2 million NGVs by NGVs has become the priority in the 30,000 NG vehicles are anticipated to 2010, we will not be surprised if the transport agenda. The LDV market is be added this year, with final target for NGV population reaches up to 1.4-1.5 very attractive in this country as China 2010 set at 145,000 units. Being the million units within the next three years. is listed as the world’s fastest booming world’s sixth-largest exporter of fossil vehicle market, which has bought 5.9 fuel does not stop Egypt from Iran million new cars in 2006 alone. conducting programmes to reduce This country is actively developing its gasoline and diesel consumption. In the technology, and, thus, welcoming many India transport sector, natural gas has been equipment manufacturers from The 2nd largest NGV country in this chosen as the first alternative rather overseas to join the Iranian current region has added over 120,000 than other fuels. The country’s card market and to share their know-how. methane vehicles and more than 130 payment system programme has been The government has an impressive plan fuelling amenities in 2004-2006. That showing its success for many years, to convert all government and public means converting 60,000 vehicles and putting taxi operators as one of the vehicles to methane vehicles. However, building an average of 60 fuelling consumers. About 86% of the country’s the medium-term plan is set at the facilities every year. In December 2006, NGV market is dominated by car/LDVs, utilisation of 600,000 NGVs in 2010, a the government announced a five-year 9% by buses, and 5% are trucks.

6 February 2007

China, the 4th NGV nation in Asia, is the world’s 2nd vehicle market February 2007 7 8 February 2007

India, #5 in the NGV world and 2nd in Asia, has added over 110,000 CNGVs in 2004-2006 February 2007 9 10 February 2007

Target nasional untuk meningkatkan penggunaan NGV

Analisa statistic tahun 2005-2006 NGV/stasiun dan membagi know-how 60,000 kendaraan menjadi NGVs dan menempatkan enam negara di Asia di dengan produser domestic. Iran membangun sekitar 60 stasiun CNG ranking sepuluh besar negara-negara mempunyai rencana besar untuk setiap tahunnya. Pada bulan Desember dengan tingkat pertumbuhan kendaraan memodifikasi seluruh armada 2006, pemerintah mengumumkan berbahan bakar gas alam (NGV) dan pemerintah dan kendaraan umum ke rencana-5-tahun untuk tank stasiun bahan bakar gas alam NGVs. Di tahun 2010, sekitar 600,000 mengembangkan infrastructure NG (natural gas, juga dikenal sebagai NG) NGVs akan dioperasikan, termasuk untuk melayani sekitar 60% NGVs di tertinggi. Di samping itu, lima negara-- 20,000 unit CNG bus. Saat ini, sekitar seluruh India. Suply bahan bakar gas Pakistan, India, Iran, Cina, dan Mesir— 150,000 kendaraan gas alam alam akan ditingkatkan dari 5 mt ke 25 menduduki posisi sepuluh negara NGV beroperasi di Iran. Meskipun sebagian mt, menurut Greg Solomon, Eden terbesar di dunia. Di antara negara- besar NGVs adalah hasil modifikasi Energy’s Executive Chairman. India negara tersebut, Cina, Iran, dan (retrofit), lebih dari 1 juta OEM NGVs bergerak menuju pasar kendaraan Pakistan selalu termasuk dalam ketiga (buatan pabrik) -bifuel dan 100% hytane yang menggunakan CNG dan list tersebut di atas. Fakta ini, dan CNG- akan diproduksi secara lokal. hydrogen mix sebagai bahan bakar. aktifitas-aktifitas seputar sektor NGV Sebuah perusahaan taxi di Iran juga Kendaraan dengan CNG dan 10% industri, telah menempatkan Asia sedang mempertimbangkan untuk hydrogen mix dapat menggunakan sebagai favorit baru di industri NGV. memesan 8,000 unit CNG VW Caddy mesin CNG dengan sedikit modifikasi. Memasuki tahun 2007, region kita tetap untuk ikut serta dalam armada Sedangkan kendaraan yang menarik investor melalui proyek-proyek “kendaraan bersih”. menggunakan hydrogen mix lebih dari baru, target nasional, dan 10% memerlukan modifikasi besar. peraturan-peraturan yang Cina Tahun in, sebuah stasiun hydrogen menguntungkan dunia NGV. Target 2010 negara Cina telah tercapai dengan kapasitas pelayanan 1,000 di tahun 2006, empat tahun sebelum kendaraan hythane per hari akan Pakistan dead-line. Pemerintah Cina terus dibangun di New Delhi. Tahun ini, sekitar enam ratus surat ijin menyuport industri ini dan menghimbau pengembangan stasiun NG akan penduduk untuk menggunakan Mesir dikeluarkan oleh pemerintah Pakistan. kendaraan berbahan bakar CNG. Negara ini telah menggaris bawahi Dengan ini, pemerintah mengharapkan Proyek-proyek saat ini, seperti posisi pentingnya ketika menjadi tuan supply network bahan bakar gas alam pengadaan CNG bus untuk Olympic rumah seminar dan pameran NGV untuk kendaraan akan lebih baik, dan 2008 di Beijing, dikembangkan secara international di Cairo di tahun 2006. juga agar penggunaan NGV akan agresif. LNG juga dipromosikan untuk Mesir menduduki posisi nomer 5 di meningkat. Disamping 0% tax untuk digunakan sebakai bahan abkar Asia, dan nomer 10 di dunia di industri bermacam-macam parts untuk kendaraan. Research dan demonstrasi ini. Sekitar 30,000 NG kendaraan modifikasi NGV dan tank stasiun, program untuk memperkenalkan LNG methane diharapkan untuk menambah pemerintah juga menghimbau sektor bus akan segera diluncurkan di populasi NGV pada tahun ini, dengan pribadi untuk membangun stasiun NG beberapa kota. Bahan bakar alternatif target tahun 2010 sebanyak 145,000 baru. Sejak bulan Desember 2006, lainnya juga dipromosikan, walaupun unit. Meskipun Mesir adalah pengexport pemerintah mengeluarkan kebijak- begitu, NG menjadi prioritas di bidang bahan baker fosil terbesar nomer 6 di sanaan baru—0% sales tax—untuk transport. Pasar kendaraan bermesin dunia, Negara ini turut serta dalam CNG bus (untuk digunakan sebagai bus kecil (LDV) sangatlah atraktif di negara peningkatan kualitas udara dengan umum) buatan local dan luar negeri. ini karena Cina menduduki tempat meluncurkan program-program Konversi/modifikasi kendaraan ke NGV utama pada list menjadi pasar penurunan konsumsi bensin dan diesel. di Pakistan mencapai 100,000 unit per kendaraan dengan peningkatan Di sector transport, gas alam menjadi tahun. Meskipun target nasional dipatok populasi kendaraan secara global di pilihan alternative utama. Gas-card pada 1.2 juta NGVs di tahun 2010, tahun 2006 setelah penduduk membeli program yang didesain untuk populasi NGV dapat mencapai 1.4-1.5 5.9 juta mobil baru. menawarkan system pembayaran juta dalam tiga tahun mendatang. modifikasi kendaraan ke NGVs telah India menunjukkan kesuksesannya selama Iran Negara NGV terbesar nomer 2 di Asia beberapa tahun terakhir. Sistem ini telah Negara ini sedang sibuk meningkatkan telah menambah lebih dari 120,000 menempatkan taxi operator sebagai teknologi NGV. Dengan demikian, kendaraan methane (NGVs) dan lebih consumer utama. Sekitar 86% dari produser-produser luar negeri dari 130 stasiun di tahun 2004-2006. pasar NGV di Mesir didominasi oleh diharapkan memasuki pasaran Ini berarti bahwa India memodifikasi mobil/LDVs, 9% bus, dan 5% truk. February 2007 11 With new tax exemption, cheaper methane buses for Pakistan The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has announced sales tax exemption on import and local supply of dedicated CNG buses and all other buses meant for transportation of 40 or more passengers and purpose-built taxis. The exemption is intended for public transport purposes to facilitate the establishment of public transport companies in the private sector for a more efficient and environmentally- friendly transport service to passengers. Around 15% drop in CNG bus price is expected Following the issuance of the tax exemption, assemblers of buses in Pakistan have started cutting prices of locally produced CNG buses by 15%. Many investors are expected to return after a drop of 15% in prices, according to Director of Marketing and Sales in Hinopak Motors Limited (HML), Mohamed Irfan Shaikh. Hinopak has slushed down the price of bus chassis from Rs 2.3 million to Rs 2.0 million, and, thus, dropped CNG bus price by 15%. An example of foreign investor, such as Daewoo, has built an assembling plant in Razzagabad Karachi. This plant is scheduled to manufacture 3,000 CNG buses per year as well as other types of vehicle. The first CNG bus would be brought on the road in March 2007. The main driver of NGV adoption in the country is the contribution of vehicle emission in air pollution. Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pepa) Director-General Asif Shuja Khan said that vehicles were responsible for 45% of environmental pollution in the country. 12 February 2007 Pakistani plan for 2007 to install 600 refuelling stations

Number 1 NGV country in Asia continues to lead the methane for vehicle market in the region. With the existing 965 natural gas refuelling stations, Pakistan will confirm its top position in the Asian map by adding 600 new refuelling stations. The national Oil and Gas Regularity Authority (OGRA) will issue about 600 new provisional licences for constructing methane refuelling stations in 2007.

Methane vehicle industry is anticipated to grow in a steady rate, according to an official report. About 100,000 vehicles are expected to be converted to NGV each year. It means about 274 more units added to the road every day, increasing the already over 1 million units of methane vehicles in the country. Over 40% of total car population is powered by natural gas. At the same time, both public and private sectors also improve facilities and favourable regulations for this industry. Although a major number of NGV population include converted vehicles, car With 600 new provisional licences to construct CNG stations, manufacturers continue adding Pakistani Pakistan would have over 1,500 NG stations in 2007 OEM NGV collection.

14 February 2007 OEM and dealer fitted NGVs

As many people are looking for alternative vehicles to "ease" NGV availability in Asia their pocket from the sky-rocketing petroleum prices, the Brand NGV models Remarks question of which alternative vehicle one should take came Australia HDV into their mind. Is it now (economically) wise to switch to 8x4 rigid truck with Cummins Iveco Acco Wesport C Gas Plus (8.3l) engines NGVs? An example of a good answer came from India. In this Isuzu Isuzu CNG NPR 400 Light Truck Truck country, driving a CNG or bi-fuel car is highly recommended if China LDVs you drive more than 50 km/day or if you have a taxi fleet with Biyadi Automobile Co., Ltd Biyadi QCJ7160A/CNG a large mileage. Chery SQR7160E/CNG Chery Automobile Co., Ltd Chery SQR7162A15/CNG Bi-fuel cars This recommendation is based on investment pay-back Chery SQR7200/CNG Chongqing Chanan Suzuki Automobile Chanan SC7130B period from installing CNG kit which is about Rs 50.000/car. Co., Ltd With a mileage of 40-50 km/day, the pay back period is Dongfeng EQ102H15QAC Bi-fuel light-duty truck Dongfeng Automobile Co., Ltd Dongfeng EQ6490H15QAC around two-three years. commercial car After that, will come the saving from the differences of petro- Dongfeng Citroen DC7163MAN Dongfeng Citroen DC7163RAN Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Shenlong Fukang DC7142RDN leum fuel cost versus CNG price, of which calculation is Co., Ltd Shenlong Fukang DC7142EDN based on today's price differences only. Shenlong Fukang DC7142EAN Dongfeng Yueda Kia Automobile Co., A good move economically speaking, especially if you have a Kia YQZ7130CNG Ltd taxi fleet with a large mileage or even operating natural gas FAW Hongqi CA7180G4 HDVs. Installing CNG kits in authorised dealers in India which Jetta FV7160CiF.C Jetta FV7160CiX.C Jetta FV7160CiX/CNG are appointed by the vehicle manufacturers allows you to FAW Volkswagen Automobile Co., Ltd Jetta FV7160CiF.C Bi-fuel cars keep all vehicle warranty for the conversion plus the original Jetta FV7160GiX.C warranty given by the manufacturers. Jetta FV7160CiX/CNG Shanghai Volkswagen Automobile Santana SVW7180Kei No more worries about whether the car will perform properly Co., Ltd Jinbei SY6483LT1 or not. Also, there is no welding involved and no fundamental Shenyang Brilliance Jinbei Co., Ltd Jinbei SY6483LT2 changes to the body structure. Chevrolet, which will launch its Zhonghua SY7200T Vela CA7156UM Optra CNG version this year, will guarantee the quality of the Vela CA7166UM CNG systems for 3 years [36 months] or up to 100,000 km Xiali TJ7101AULM Tianjin FAW Xiali Automobile Co., Ltd Xiali TJ7101AUM from the date of its installation. Xiali TJ7101BLM Xiali TJ7101BUM In the bajaj sector, India CNG auto rickshaw has even made Xiali TJ7101UM its debut in Brighton city in the UK, in last summer. About 100 HDVs Anhui Hualing Automobile(Group) Co., Hualing Star HN4180PT23C4M CNG Dedicated CNG tractor more units will be imported from India by end 2006 to be Ltd Tractor Jinghua BK6141CNG Hinge Jointed demonstrated in London and other major British and Beijing Bus General Plant City Bus European cities. Changjiang CJ6110G3Y7H Bus Changjiang CJ6110SG2Y7H Double In Thailand, Chevrolet will introduce Optra bi-fuel passenger Decker Bus Changzhou Iveco Bus Co., Ltd Changjiang CJ6110SG2YH Double car with dealer-fitted CNG equipment which will be done Dedicated CNG buses Decker Bus under the supervision of GM engineers; a QVM product. Changjiang CJ6120G2Y7H Bus Chongqing Jiangchuan Automobile Chuanjiang CJQ6790KCS Bus The version of factory-fitted (OEM) will be coming soon by Manufacturing Co., Ltd Dongfeng EQ6830RACN Bus end of 2006. Due to tax reduction policy given by Thai Dongfeng Automobile Co., Ltd Chassis(Class 3)* government, the company will be able to sell the OEM version Dongfeng EQ6111RCDN Bus Chassis(Class 3) cheaper than the Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) version. Dedicated CNG buses Dongfeng EQ6122KS Bus Chassis(Class 3) Dongfeng EQ1165F Truck Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd Dongfeng EQ1165K2 Truck Dongfeng EQ1140GL1 Truck Dedicated CNG trucks Dongfeng EQ1140GL Truck Dongfeng EQ1250GL2 Truck Dongfeng EQ1250GL3 Truck Dongfeng Nanchong Automobile Co., Dongfeng EQ6590PC1 Bus Dual fuel buses Ltd Dongfeng EQ6590PC Bus Jiefang CA1127L5A CNG Truck Dedicated CNG trucks Jiefang CA1150P1L1A80 CNG Truck Jiefang CA6101D92-9 Bus First Auto Works (FAW) Chassis(Class 3) JiefangCA6110D118-1T Bus Chassis(Class 3) Dedicated CNG buses JinlngJLY6101SA CNG Double Nanjing Jinling Double- decker Bus Decker Bus CNG engine Euro 4 and Euro 3 Plant JinlngJLY6101SB CNG Double Decker Bus for Heavy-Duty vehicles Shanqi SX4254BK294T Tractor Dedicated CNG tractor Shaanxi Automobile (Group) Co., Ltd Shanqi SX6112F Luxury City Bus Dedicated CNG bus Shanqi SX6112C City Bus Dual fuel bus Shanghai Huizhong Automobile SHAC SH4251A4B31K Tractor Dedicated CNG tractor Natural gas engines Manufacturing Co., Ltd Korea Yaxing YBL6110GNH Bus Yaxing-Benz Motor Coach Co.,Ltd Dedicated CNG bus For HDVs Chassis(Class 3) 8,1 litre Dedicated CNG Engine Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd GE08TI (240ps, 260ps), The company was reported to have 120 models of NGV vehicles 12 litre Dedicated CNG Engine Yantia Shuchi Vehicle Co NGV buses GE12TI exported to Europe, Japan, (290ps, 310ps, 340ps) Bangladesh and Pakistan Malaysia For LDVs Yuchai Diesel Engine Co.,Ltd For export purposes Under development, passenger car Yuejin NJ67001M5EG Bus Proton & Petronas Proton CNG E01 Yuejin Automobile(Group)Co., Ltd Dedicated CNG bus engine with 1,8 - 2,2 litre Chassis(Class 3) February 2007 15

Japan India 2 LDVs LDVs Daihatsu Hijet Cargo CNG (LE-S320V) Cargo van Atul Auto CNG four wheeler In plan: mini truck Powered by CNG/gasoline; to be Mira Van CNG (GBD-L250V) Van One-tonne twee-wheeler launched Mazda Familia van Van Bajaj Auto Mitsubishi Motors Minicab GD-U61V (2WD) CNG van Tavera Bi-fuel two-wheeler Planned for 2007 Emission reductions: 20%-30% Nissan-Diesel AD Van CNGV (CEF-VGY11) less CO2, 50% less NOx DaimlerChrysler Merc Passenger car Ford Ikon Passenger car Caravan CNGV (LC-VPE25) Van Suzuki Wagon R (CBA-MH21S) Bi-fuel car with 140-150km Toyota Probox CNG (DFE-NCP52V) coverage on full fuel tank. The running cost is 70% cheaper than General Motors India Chevrolet Optra Subaru Legacy TA-BL5 Passenger car the gasoline version (Rs.1.92/km HDVs with CNG vs Rs. 5.20/km with Hino Dutro Delivery & garbage trucks gasoline) Ranger Truck Passenger car (factory-fitted Hindustan Motors Ambassador Middle-size low-floor bus Bus CNGV) Isuzu Elf AFG-NKR82AN 2 tonnes delivery & garbage trucks Hyundai Motors Santro Compact car Forward PB-FRR35J3S 4 tonnes delivery & garbage trucks Champion CNG Mahindra & Mahindra CNG three-wheelers Forward PB-FRR35K3S 4 tonnes delivery & garbage trucks Tempo Wagon R (CBA-MH21S) Truck Scorpio CNG Passenger car Passenger car with 1,5 litre engine Big-size low-floor bus Bus Mitsubishi & Hindustan Motor Lancer Middle-size low-floor bus Bus (factory-fitted CNGV) Mazda Titan AFG-LKR82AN Truck Maruti Udyong Ltd Omni 5-seater CNG Tata Engineering and Locomotive Mitsubishi-Fuso Fighter NX Delivery & garbage trucks Indica Bi-fuel passenger car, BS III Company Ltd Big-size low-floor bus Bus compliant (Bharat stage III is Tata Motors Indigo Marina India's emission standard) Canter KK-FE73CEV Truck HDV Nissan-Diesel Atlas KR-AKR81EP 2 tonnes truck Tata Motors CNG bus Bus Condor AFG-BKR82EP 2 tonnes truck Ace truck Condor PB-MK36A 4 tonnes truck Mahindra & Mahindra CNG bus In plan Condor PB-PK37A 7 tonnes truck Commercial vehicles & three- In plan Big Thumb KL-CD48L 10 tonnes truck wheelers Big-size low-floor bus Bus Iran Middle-size low-floor bus Bus LDVs Civilian KK-BHW41 Small-size low-floor bus Samand D class, 1.800 cc, passenger car Toyota Dyna Toyoace Delivery truck Peugeot 405 C class, 1.800 cc, passenger car Iran Khodro Co. Toyota Dyna Toyoace 7 tonnes truck Truck Peugeot RD C class, 1.600 cc, passenger car Specialty vehicle Peykan 1.600 cc, pick-up Kanto Machine Centre Working vehicle Saipa Pride C class, 1.400 cc, passenger car Komatsu Forklift Forklift Saipa Group (Zamyad subsidiary Co.) Zamyad 2.400 cc, pick up 3 Mitsubishi Motors Forklift Thailand Nissan-Diesel Fighter Working vehicle LDVs Forklift DaimlerChrysler Mercedes E200 NGT Bi-fuel passenger car Subaru Working vehicle Chevrolet Optra Sedan bi-fuel 1,6 litre To be launched end 2006/early Sumitomo Yale Forklift CNG 11-FG25PV1 Forklift General Motors4 2007. Both manual and automatic Chevrolet Optra Estate bi-fuel 1,6 TCM TCM Forklift transmissions. litre Toyota Forklift Honda Expected to enter the market Korea Monika CNG tuk-tuk HDVs Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. Car and van In plan Daewoo BS090 9 m city bus: 24+1 seats Volvo (S80) Expected to enter the market BS106 10.6 m city bus: 26+29+1 seats HDV BH115 11.5 m Inter city bus: 45+1 In plan: pick-up truck to run on BC211M 11 m Low floor bus: 29+28+1 Chevrolet Colorado dual fuel 80% CNG and 20% diesel. Can be BV120MA (12 m) 12 m Low floor bus : 25-45 seats switched to 100% diesel. 12 m Ultra low floor bus: 25-44 Isuzu Low-duty to Heavy-duty trucks In plan BS120CN (12 m) seats Summitr Motors Assembly of CNG buses and trucks In development (for demonstration Yantia Shuchi Vehicle Co In plan: opening an NG bus plant LNG bus NGV bus(es) project) and investment in fuelling facility Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicles Garbagetruck (Roll Pack) 19.3 Euro Co., Ltd Notes: 1 The above China OEM list only includes those Garbage truck (Arm Roll) 11 Ton (Payload) In development (for demonstration NGVs which must be registered to get plate licenses 11 litre-LNG tractor project) according to China's law. Except for Yantia Shuchi Vehicle Hyundai Aero City City bus: 21+1 seats Co. and Yuchai Diesel Engine Co.,Ltd., the list does not Aero Inter City City bus: 38+1 seats Aero Inter City City bus: 45+1 seats include those manufacturers and NGV models that are not Aero City Bus de GNV Low-floor bus: 27+1 seats inquired to be registered, such as vehicles for military use or Shinjeon Sweeper To be launched for export purpose. However, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Indonesia 5 Dongfeng Nanchong Automobile Co.,Ltd., and Nanjing Jinling HDV Daewoo CNG city bus Bus Bus Co.,Ltd sell their NGV products in domestic and abroad Malaysia markets too. HDV 2 Hindustan Motors, General Motors and Tata Motors made Kosmo Motor Company Sdn Bhd Kosmo Bus Pakistan an agreement with CNG installation specialists who perform LDVs the installation of CNG kits at the dealers. Dewan Passenger car 3 CNG buses are imported from overseas. Pak Suzuki Motor Co. Mehran, Alto, Baleno, Bolan, Cultus Mehran 4John Thomson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Alto Aftersales for Chevrolet Sales Thailand, stated that an 800, 1.000, 1.200, and 1.300 cc Baleno extensive testing on Chevrolet Optra has been conducted in Bolan real life driving conditions – covering more than 200,000 km Cultus Suzuki Liana over 20 continuous hours per day – without recording a Indus Motors Co. Ltd. Daihatsu Cuore 800 cc single defect. Adam Motors Co. Ltd. Revo 800 cc 5 Bi-fuel two-wheeler CNG with four-stroke engine is import- Shahab Enterprises Pervaaz (3 wheeler) 125 cc Nexus Autos Chevrolet (under trial) 800 and 1.000 cc ed from India (Bajaj Auto) in August. About 250 units of this HDV vehicle will be operated by October 2006, whereas 15,000 Hino CNG bus units in total are anticipated to ply on Jakarta road. 16 February 2007 Hytane vehicles with a blend of CNG and hydrogen fuel for India New Delhi will have a unit of hydrogen filling facility with a dispenser for fuelling both pure hydrogen and a mix of hydrogen and CNG in 2007 The station is aimed at serving 1,000 hythane vehicles/day. And the cost of installing the facility is Rs 5 crore, which will be financed by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy, according to Dr RK Malhotra, General Manager of R&D of IOC. Hythane bus and 800 more CNG buses will ply in India in 2007 Australian Eden Energy Ltd will supply the hydrogen-natural gas blend. The engines will then be installed for testing and demonstration purposes in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kanpur - where Natural Gas is available. Only a few modifications are required for a CNG vehicle to start using CNG mixed with 10% hydrogen. For more hydrogen content, significant changes in the engine will be legally required. Banaras Hindu University has developed modified two-wheeler and three-wheeler engines that are compatible with this CNG/H2 blend. Seven vehicle models with 30% hydrogen mix will be available by early 2007, those are: Tata Indica, a Tata bus, Bajaj three-wheelers, an Ashok Leyland mini bus, an Eicher mini bus, Mahindra three-wheeler and a Mahindra Utility. On the other hand, New Delhi will get 2,000 new CNG buses before 2010. The government tender for 625 buses will be opened by mid January. Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors and King Long will join the tender. Haroon Yusuf, Minister of Transport & Power, stated that dedicated bus corridor is required and 800 new low floor CNG buses will be provided soon.

Taj Mahal, India February 2007 17 China, world’s 2nd largest vehicle market

In 2006, China was quoted as the rapidly expanding middle-class consumer base of the world's fastest- booming vehicle market which has invested largely in vehicles and bought 5.9 million new passenger cars. These 2006 sales alone were even more than China's total vehicle population in 1990. A big car sales output leads to big(ger) oil use, and also to more substantial air pollution. On the other hand, the country depends heavily on petroleum imports. Coupled with global warming issue, it is not surprising that the government aims to diversify fuel usage and to cut down About 5,9 M passenger cars were sold in China in 2006 alone vehicle emissions. The invasion of middle class consumers programme to see the possibilities of created with a target set to make LNG in vehicle market is on a high, according using liquefied natural gas (LNG) in vehicles more technically advanced with to a research analyst at RNCOS, who heavy-duty vehicles. reduction in cost and harmful has recently investigated about "Future The project will be conducted in cities emissions, according to Hou Fushen Outlook for Global LNG Market (2010)". with high air pollution level. from National Clean Vehicle Thus, the Chinese government offers Co-ordination Leading Group and many supports to fight the pollution LNG vehicles are already used in China Automotive Technology and issue. several cities in China, although these Research Center. To reduce more air pollution in big are not as common as CNG vehicles. The plan is to apply the technology to cities, the Chinese government plans to To enlarge the acceptance of LNG to several buses, which will be carry out a research and promotion power heavy-duty vehicles, a project is demonstrated in several cities. 18 February 2007 Bangladesh cuts vehicle fuel cost by 75% by driving NGVs CNG vehicles are hype in Bangladesh. As gasoline and octane prices are "too" high, vehicles are converted to CNG as dual fuel arrangement. With this CNG arrangement, the vehicle running cost is about one fourth of gasoline or octane vehicle monthly expenditure.

Nowadays, there are 80,000 vehicles converted to CNGVs, of which 12,000 units are three wheelers. Daily conversion rate sums up to 250 Bangladeshi NGV industry started to boom in 2000 vehicles which are converted in 51 conversions workshops. About 130 fuelling units facilitate these clean automotives, including the 81 fuelling amenities in Dhaka city. Despite of this "reasonable" number of refuelling stations, the development of facilities is considered slow by the Bangladeshi. The history CNGVs were introduced by the government when a pilot project of Petrobangla was executed in 1982- 1985. This project was sponsored by the World Bank (WB) with the main goal of evaluating the technical and financial feasibility of using NGVs in the country. On completion of the pilot project, the state-owned Rupantarata Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL) was formed and assigned to popularise CNG. Soon enough, it was found out that more effective government policies needed to be introduced to allow the success of this introduction. Due to the lack of the required policies, there was no success in the CNG sector from 1982 to 2000 despite of the installation of seven CNG refuelling stations and a conversion workshop, and the 1,379 converted vehicles.

NGV industry became a priority sector when the government tried to deal with the continuously increasing fuel prices. In 2000, people started to convert their vehicles but no private investor was involved. As the government recognised that some drastic actions were required, private sector was invited to join the business to boost the acceptance of NGVs.

Various supports are also issued in line with the effort to promote methane vehicles that will lead to an industry boom: February 2007 19

Free registration/permission for business enrolment; Financial support through bank loans and leasing companies; One-stop service facility for gas, electricity, water, municipal permit etc; Technical assistance through RPGCL; Lease of government's unused land on long-term basis; Duty free import facility for CNG stations, cylinders, kits and CNG dedicated vehicles; CNG business is open for private sectors including foreign entrepreneurs; Subsidised CNG price About 300 new CNG buses for Dhaka Despite of the great success in introducing NGVs, several accidents Asian Development Bank’s project program. caused some panic among vehicle called 'Dhaka Clean Fuel Project' is Despite of the present challenges, the users. Wrong and/or old cylinders going to be completed. The project CNG sector is going to play a very which are not designed for CNGVs are components are mainly: important role in Bangladeshi economy. used by many. Also, unauthorised Nowadays, about 24% of vehicles in workshops are converting the vehicles 300 CNG dedicated buses for Dhaka the country run on CNG, using around into CNG-system. Better monitoring city; 2% of national consumption on NG. system, measurement and maintenance 2,000 CNG three wheelers; It has led to an annual saving of Tk 20 are required. The CNG Safety Code has 26 CNG fuelling stations; billion (Euro 2,210,000) Should all now been finalised and RPGCL will 10,000 NGV conversion kits and targeted vehicles be retrofitted, the implement it. The Explosives cylinders; saving will rise up to Tk 70 billion Department is assigned for checking Three conversion and maintenance (Euro7,735,000) per year. Not mentioning whether the imported cylinders and workshops; the cleaner-more breathable- air that stations comply with the standard. Engagement of consultants for HRD they will get. 20 February 2007 Malaysia moving towards 30,000 NGVs and more Over 22,600 vehicles were using CNG by October 2006 in Malaysia according to Petronas. More than 99% were taxis while the rest were private vehicles. The country owns 16 conversion workshops so far. On the other hand, Petronas had built 47 NGV stations, 57 were in various stages of construction while the sites for 96 more stations were being identified, according to Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Hoo Seong Chang. The country uses NGVs especially in commercial and public transport fleets to reduce air pollution and excessive black smoke emitted by gasoline and diesel vehicles. Hoo said that conversion cost to switch a lorry to an NGV is about RM 70,000 Petronas has built 47 CNG refuelling facilities all over Malaysia (Euro 15,500), while for a bus it would cost RM 80.000 (17,700). Converting a operators for buying new dedicated NG country by 2008, he concluded. car costs between RM 3,000 (Euro 670) buses until 2008. To encourage more With a growth rate of 52% in 2005- and RM 6,000 (Euro 1,350). NGV usage, the government has asked 2006, we can expect that soon The government has also offered RM Petronas to speed up the construction Malaysian drivers will operate 30,000- 50,000 (Euro11,000) incentives to bus of 200 NGV stations throughout the 45,000 NGVs in 2007. February 2007 21 Switching commercial vehicles to NGVs in UAE In its attempt to step up to more economical and cleaner vehicle fuels, Al Nabooda Automobiles is switching 500 trucks to NGVs which will be ready by the first half of 2007.

The firm owns a commercial fleet of 1,400 vehicles. The first ten retrofitted trucks in the company fleet are powered by CNG, but still can run on diesel or gasoline when needed. 'The process has been lengthy and comprehensive, but now we have all Al Nabooda and R. Zietlow in the VW Caddy CNG stand in Dubai the official approvals to go ahead commercially and pioneer the switch to Al Nabooda announced their conversion powered by CNG to promote the fuel compressed natural gas,' stated project during the Middle East and earn a place in the Guinness Book Raghvinder Grotra, the firm’s brand Commercial Vehicles Show in UAE in of Records. - More info in page 26 manager for commercial vehicles. November 2006. Grota stated that the event was an ideal platform to launch The company also announced that it It costs the firm about 7,000-9,000 the project as the company expects will open six natural gas refuelling dirham (Euro1,475) to convert a truck. that many companies will follow their facilities within existing refuelling However, the payback period is as effort to help reducing pollution and cut amenities all over the country. short as 18 months. vehicle fuel costs. The event was also This gas network will be expanded in The cost is recovered through fuel cost attended by Rainer Zietlow from due time to meet market demand. saving, better mileage, and lower Germany who is touring 29 countries in The firm has set up a conversion maintenance bills. six months in Volkswagen Caddy workshop at Rashidiya in Dubai. 22 February 2007 Initiating the Korean LNG Vehicle Industry About six years ago, Korea started to The country also has a keen interest in actively develop the NGV industry by developing the LNG vehicle industry for operating natural gas buses in many HDVs. This year, the main actors of this of its cities. Today, the development industry—the Ministries and Korean strategy is still largely focused on NG Gas Association- set a two-years plan heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). to adopt LNG for vehicles. LNGV (liquefied natural gas vehicle) demonstration project

Ministry of Finance Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Construction & & Economy (MOFE) Industry & Energy (MOCIE) Transport (MOCT)

Responsible for funding and Responsible for LNGV Responsible for LNGV tax regulations regulations regulations

Ministry of Environment (MOE) Controlling all business related to LNGVs including taxes, government funding.

Kogas OEMs, retrofitting Korean Gas Operating fuelling companies, vehicle Safety R&D companies stations;Conducting operating companies Supporting Responsible for research and producing Producers of LNGVs, government to emission testing reports (also by KANGV). engines, LNGV kits, etc; establish safety LNGV performance testing regulations (operating the vehicles) February 2007 23

Cores of LNGV programme Possibilities of LNGV commercialisation project in Korea; Economic and environmental aspects of LNGV; To introduce support system; Regulation and supply programme from government. Ten-month vehicle demonstration project July 2006-September 2006: Vehicle test period. Four LNGVs were demonstrated, consisting of a bus and 11 litre-tractor by Daewoo Bus and Tata Daewoo, a diesel tractor retrofit by Hyundai Motors From private sector part, NGVI is an important step in Korea’s supply and one 3,5 litre CNG cargo truck moving towards LNGV industry. chain to support a domestic LNG which will be converted to LNG by Furthermore, Korea’s NGVI has a vehicle industry. With Korea’s three Engine Tech; joint venture signed with the US’s LNG terminals and increasing LNG October 2006-April 2007: CFI for the localised production and imports this fuel is fast becoming an Vehicle demonstration period with manufacture of LNG cylinders and increasing option as a solution to passengers and load freight after system components. NGVI will spend Korea’s energy and environment setting-up regulations. the next 10 months developing and insecurities,” said NGVI President testing prototype systems using Kevin Park. Presently, Korea has LCNG fuelling various cylinder sizes. Korea has a stations in Daejon and Pohang, and very mature gas grid as most of its NGVI’s target market up to the year an LNG fuelling site in Pyeongtaek city. gas imports arrive in liquefied form. 2020 is Korea’s 3 million diesel trucks. The follow up LNGV plan will be Kogas is the world’s single largest It is NGVI’s aim to have these diesel determined after the demonstration importer of LNG. cargo trucks replaced with CNG and project is finalised. “The NGVI CFI joint venture represents LNG cargo trucks. 24 February 2007 OEM NGV Price Advantage

Hyundai Super Aero CNG city bus Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT Daewoo Low Step

Pass these charts on… Help your country to have a cleaner air

The first and second charts which you can see that using a CNG bus 2.8km per litre diesel and per m3 were originally made by Daewoo and could be more and more profitable CNG;Fuel consumption for Hyundai Hyundai were modified as the fuel since diesel price continues to increase bus: 2.3 km/litre diesel and prices change over time. The 2004 a lot while CNG price either increased a 2.1km/m3 CNG; Use your current and 2005 diesel and CNG prices little or even decrease (2005-2006). CNG and diesel prices: current fuel were previously in US$. price x (90,000/fuel consumption). We converted them into Euro with You can calculate your country price Fuel savings may vary for each current currency rate of US$1= Euro advantage by using your local fuel country as fuel prices (and fuel 0.835446. However, main data, such prices. The data that you can use for energy contents) also vary. as fuel consumption, remain the your calculation is as follows: Show the comparison chart above same as it was used as a reference in Set a mileage, for example, to your government and local the calculation above. 90,000km/year; public transport companies,…and In the comparison 2004-2006 chart, Fuel consumption for Daewoo bus: buy CNG buses. February 2007 25 The largest NGV gateway in the world

NGV Communications Group, a publishing The most complete and up to date and events organizer group, will NGV e-statistics, will be available for broadcast a technical, journalistic, and free since February; advertising campaign within 45 days to A complete events list on NGV and strengthen its official internet site. related sectors, such as energy, environment, alternative fuels, etc; By March, www.ngvgroup.com will offer A direct link to the largest data base new services for its global users. of NGV companies and related As from March 1st, the web site will organization, the World NGV Guide publish a section which will be the new (www.ngvguide.com). This site is central character: NGV “news of the presented based on activity/company day”. It will contain the most recent and category, country, etc; relevant worldwide activities, updated Daily news on related NGV activities: daily and displayed in a collective News of the day; method. Our journalistic team, in charge Headlines of the five magazines’ last of producing Prensa Vehicular Peru, editions, plus the last published issue Asian NGV Communications, The GVR, (complete), a summary with the main www.ngvgroup.com Folha do GNV and Prensa Vehicular, will headlines and previews of upcoming select the most noticeable story of the editions; prices. Ask for further details by these day for the visitor to learn about the Presented in four languages: means or contact [email protected]. news of this segment in an immediate, Spanish, English, Portuguese- and the brief, free and effective way. new comer: Italian; The site www.ngvgroup.com constantly Online advertising opportunities. improves. It is a digital platform from The up graded version of As from February 1st and up to March where it is possible to be informed www.ngvgroup.com will contain the 15th, there will be a campaign of about what is going on in day by day in followings: advertising in banners at promotional the methane vehicle world. 26 February 2007 CNG is the way to go: it is cheap and widely available

The EcoFuel World Tour driver and organiser, Rainer Zietlow, has completed his Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok route in January 2007. This VW CNG Caddy pilot intends to prove that we can travel in a much more economical way from one country to the other in several continents using a CNG passenger car. The tour was started in Germany in Europe last year, and was driven through Iran and United Arab Emirates in Western Asia to South-East Asia. The next schedule will be Australia in the Pacific, South and North America, and then back to its starting point in Europe. In January 2007, Zietlow and his team, photographer Franz Janusiewicz, cameraman Falk Gunold and mechanic Florian Hilpert, travelled from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to Bangkok in Thailand, and then back again. It cost them the mere sum of RM 368 (¤ 81) to cover a 3,000 km long distance, about 30% cheaper than driving on a 1.8 litre gasoline car. Zietlow believes that CNG is the way to go, and it is “the only alternative fuel which can be easily bought”. Besides, it emits lower pollution particles and NGVs are quieter than gasoline and diesel cars. Only Euro 81 is needed to cover Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok- The team has added nine carbon gas tanks to the four Kuala Lumpur by driving on a CNG car. standard steel gas tanks that come with the vehicle. The gas used is the same as that used by the NG taxis The tour is performed to set a record in the Guinness World operating in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. This modification Record by driving a standard CNG Volkswagen Caddy allows him to fill up to a maximum of 200 kg CNG, enabling 45,000km in 23 countries around the world powered only by him to drive 3,000 km before needing to refill his gas tanks. fuel bought en route. February 2007 27 ExpoGNV: over 75% of expo space have been already sold

On May 3 to 5, 2007, in the city of São Paulo (Brazil), the third version of ExpoGNV will take place in the Expo Center Norte venue. The goal of the fair is to exhibit the most modern, economical and ecological products existing in the NGV market. With more than 8,000 m2, 75 % of the exhibition is sold. This is the best opportunity for your company to become a protagonist in the show by reserving some of the still available spaces. The event is organized by the Brazilian Institute of Petroleum (IBP) together with Folha do GNV-NGV Communications Group. As one of the stars in the world NGV industry, Brazil produces around 67,500 m2 of natural gas per day, and the NGV refueling stations operating in the country are 1,385. In this context, the success of the meeting is guaranteed. For further information, get in touch with Folha do GNV through the telephone numbers (55 21) 2215-0799 / 2232- 6798 or by e-mail: [email protected] Expo floor plan update to January 23rd Visit: www.expognv.com 28 February 2007 US Secretaries attend US/Korea Clean Energy Initiatives Event in Seoul The US/Korean Clean Energy Initiatives Event to highlight the crucial role US alternative fuel technology has played in the success of the Korean natural gas vehicles (NGV) market was held in Seoul yesterday. The event was attended by US Secretary of Commerce Mr. Carlos Gutierrez, Secretary of Energy Mr. Samuel W. Bodman and US Ambassador to Korea, Mr. Alexander Vershbow. Five products of combined US and Korean technology were displayed at the event and are credited to the US Government and the Korean Ministry of Environment’s clean energy initiatives. In 1995, the US Embassy in Korea supported NGVI with funding of $30,000 USD through the USAEP NGVI President Kevin Park speaks on (US-Asia Environmental Partnership Exchange Program). With this funding, US/Korean clean energy initiatives NGVI invited several US companies’ representatives to introduce US heavy duty NGV engine technologies to develop Korean NGV engines, buses and trucks.

“The funding of $30,000 USD from the US Government was the seed money for the 11,000 NGV buses and 110 NGV garbage trucks that operate in 40 of Korea’s cities today,” said Kevin Park President of NGVI.

“It is estimated that total sales of Woodward systems to the Korean market has exceeded $100 million USD during the last 6 years. With an initial $30,000 USD investment in 1995 through NGVI Uncle Sam made a pretty good return on investment,” laughs Mr. Park. Korean and US delegates discuss about the Mr. Park affirmed that Korea’s Ministry CNG technology of road sweeper of Environment, the US Government, Woodward and Bob Young of NGVI USA deserve the credit of the successful The NGV products of joint NGV bus/truck program in Korea. US/ROK NGV forces Mr Park’s objective is clear. “In order to achieve this goal, we must show that the five products which will “We need to invite the US Government be displayed at the event are not just as the Korean Government's partner products of Korea but the products of and compose a joint US/ROK (Republic both countries-combined NGV forces of Korea) NGV forces for cleaner air and of Korea and USA. US companies energy independence. involved in this project include NGVI The many countries of Asia Pacific and North America, Woodward, ITT, Parker, the rest of the world can take Swagelok, GM Powertrain, MotoTron advantage of this partnership.” and NGVI.” Korean CNG road sweeper February 2007 29 A model plant for manufacturing cylinders

Cidegas, a firm originally formed by a group of Argentine business men, changed its shareholders in April 2006. Its new stockowners (coming from Czech Republic and also from Argentina) gathered to push forward its growth. Thus, they inaugurated a model plant in Buenos Aires in November, where they produce steel cylinders for high-pres- sure gases, foreseeing a maximum capacity of 12,000 units a month by the end of 2007. The plant is located in the Olavarría industrial park -350 km away from the Capital City- and is set up on a recycled site, specially adjusted to this activity of 12,000 m2. From there, the objective is to meet the demand of all markets that use this technology. To serve this purpose, there was an original investment of U$S 10M. Provincial, municipal authorities, suppliers, clients and friends of the firm attended the opening act. The Olavarría Mayor Alberto Batic, President of Cidegas, together with provincial and himself, Helios Eseverri, together with Cidegas executives, municipal authorities, and staff from the new plant performed the symbolic ribbon cut. After that, the attendance toured the facilities, where they industries and containers for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). watched part of a cylinder manufacturing process. Vitkovice is leader of this technology in Europe. Among others, the President of the company, Alberto Batic, The products manufactured in the plant fulfill with the highest and directors of the company Vitkovice (main shareholder), quality standards and demanding fabrication norms like IRAM gave also enthusiastic speeches. All of them remarked that, 2526, ISO 4705, ISO 11439. These certifications will allow through this initiative, 80 new jobs were created and Cidegas the company to export over 80% of its production to the incorporates new production lines such as air gases cylin- American, Asian and European markets for industrial, vehicu- ders, fire extinguishers, components for lime and cement lar and filling stations usages. 30 February 2007 Expand your market and increase sales in Asia If your company’s new-year resolution growing. Below is our journalistic and is to increase sales figures in 2007 EXTRA event distribution time table. and further, try this option: expand your market to Asia. Contact us to find our special offer in 2007 with extra free marketing service! Enlarge your company recognition by advertising with us. Editorial Outlook and Asian NGV Communications is an distribution coverage NGV specialised magazine that offers An objective reporting, comments from one of the best advertising main NGV players, technology update, opportunities available in the region. news on NGV events and statistics in Asia and Pacific, Middle East, and It is the only NGV hard-copy magazine Africa (West Asia). See more of our with a regional distribution in Asia. distribution coverage in the 2nd page of this magazine. We increase our reader-coverage and network by visiting new clients and introducing our advertisers to NGV Contact: people in Asia and other regions too. [email protected], tel. +31 23 562 2582 Advertise in Asian The number of visits to our web site has +82 33 260 3419 NGV Communications tripled in three editions. And it continues Website:www.asiangv.com