The dedicated CNG conversion represents the next big step for this fuel, because there are currently 1,895,000 MPVs plying across country’s routes.
Since the engines involved are “diesel” cycle ones, the conversion entails a significant technological advance for those customers interested in saving money. Its total cost, which includes the installation, is about 10,000 Argentinean pesos (the complete rectification of the engine costs about 7,000 pesos, just a small difference in investment by comparison). It is because they are vehicles for daily use that the savings generated by the CNG allow drivers to recover their initial investment just in a few months and represents a substantial saving for both the carrier and the logistics costs.
“It’s a very attractive market niche. Some time ago, MPVs were turned to diesel due to a fuel prices issue, although the price of the vehicle is higher given the impact of taxes. With the existing technology, we expect that there will be a switch to NGVs; what is more, the total vehicles fleet will be replaced with gasoline powered units, which imply a lower cost of conversion to CNG, and also lower price for sale,” said Fausto Maranca, who is the president of the Argentinean Chamber for Natural Gas Vehicles (CAGNC).
He added: “The diesel market has weighed up savings like no other. It is a key user, which will be absolutely attracted to CNG conversion. As diesel prices are currently escalating, the only alternative to maintain -and even cut down- transportation costs is natural gas.”
“We are worldwide leaders in NGV sector and we must take advantage of the technology produced locally. For many MPV drivers, this represents savings, more competitiveness and bigger profits,” Maranca concluded.
