Germany, Rüsselsheim

Opel's new Zafira 1.6 CNG Turbo will be presented at the Bologna motor show (December 5 to 14, 2008) as the 'world's most powerful natural gas-propelled vehicle'. It has an output of 150 hp and a top speed of 200 km/h but consumes only 5.3 kg of natural gas per 100 km in the MVEG cycle, emitting just 144 g/km of CO2.  That means 60 percent more horsepower for a difference of only 6 grams in emissions than the naturally aspirated model. The new Zafira 1.6 CNG Turbo will reach markets starting in January 2009.

Venezuela, Caracas

European OEMs VW and BMW have both answered the call of the Venezuelan government to provide models capable of operating on natural gas. BMW announced last month that they will release four models next year with OEM endorsed conversions making the vehicles capable of operating on either natural gas or gasoline. Volkswagen meanwhile are releasing a range of bi-fuel vehicles under the VW, Skoda, SEAT and Audi brands. Both manufacturers will use conversion kits supplied by Italian-based BRC.

Sweden, Stockholm

SL, the regional company responsible for bus, tram, subway and railway traffic in and around Stockholm, has announced that, by the end of 2008, it will have 80 buses running on biomethane.  Over the next four years, the company says that number will increase to 500. This fleet expansion will be based on an expansion of the local production capacity for biomethane from various locally available organic waste resources.  An SL analysis of different fuel alternatives shows that biomethane is the most environmental friendly and economically attractive biofuel alternative.  Bioethanol does not offer the same environmental advantages, and there are also some ethical concerns, the SL analysis says.

Sweden, Sundsvall

Sweden's First Liquid BioGas Filling Station to be Created

Scandinavian GtS has announced plans for Sweden's first Liquid BioGas (LBG) filling station in the city of Sundsvall, apparently to be the first city in the world with the ability to fill public vehicles with LBG (also known as liquefied biomethane - LBM). Hans Kättström CEO of Scandinavian GtS AB said, "LBG is a second generation of sustainable fuels and a commercially interesting alternative for heavy duty traffic, making it possible to solve Sweden's need in a sustainable way. With production of LBG and this station, our politicians do not need to look any further or invest in developing alternatives. LBG technology opens new possibilities for large scale production and brings this technology to every consumer in Sweden, giving us the opportunity to replace all petrol and diesel.”

"It is no longer a question of technology but a question of will power to make a change. If the will exists in the Swedish government we can be independent from oil and perhaps the first country in the world to do so. Sundsvall can count on both national as well as international visits to view this process."

Australia

Perth-based Advanced Engine Components Limited (AEC) has agreed a Letter of Intent to enter into a ten year Purchase Agreement with Tata Motors Limited (TML) of India, to design, develop, test and certify naturally aspirated and turbo charged natural gas versions of TML’s four and six cylinder engines. The engine developments, including certification to Euro 4, must be completed by November 2009.

USA, Los Altos (CA)

Baytech Corporation has obtained EPA and CARB certifications for its dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled 2009 model year General Motors, Isuzu and Workhorse medium and heavy duty vehicles with 6.0L engines. Vehicles included in these new certifications include cab forward, cutaway van, chassis cab and custom chassis models.

CNG Ultra High Power Audi (A4) managed to go 327 km/h on Biogas

Germany, Papenburg

NGVA Europe Member TÜV Saarland presented its CNG High Power A4 passenger car (585 hp = 427 kw) for an attempt on the world speed record for passenger cars. The Audi, converted to biomethane (99% methane), reached 327 km/h and narrowly missed the record of 344 km/h, set by a CNG Bugatti in 1994. The TÜV Saarland attempt stands though as holding the record for a biomethane fueled passenger vehicle.  (Source: TÜV Saarland).
Editors note - Speed demons may also be interested in the continuing attempt for the world wheel driven land speed record for which they are using a CNG fuelled Streamliner. The Lessman Racing team claims a 324 mph (521 km/h) top speed in a thwarted attempt last September in the US. The team hopes to get official endorsement in another attempt next year.