Germany, Ingolstadt
German auto manufacturer Audi AG looks set to join Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz on the growing list of suppliers of large OEM compressed natural gas (CNG) passenger vehicles on the European market. The company says in a press release that alternative fuel types are gaining in importance around the world and that natural gas, is being used increasingly in a number of countries as a more cost-effective energy source with a lower CO2 content.
Audi has devised a concept for using CNG based on their TFSI engine and retains its pulling power even when running in natural-gas mode. The reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 20 percent in CNG mode can therefore be enjoyed without having to compromise on driving pleasure in any way.
‘Ingenious packaging’ of CNG cylinders still allows full use to be made of the luggage compartment and the vehicle’s versatility despite the addition of the natural gas tank.
Though the release doesn’t specify a date for the release of their CNG model, references to a 2008 release for a new diesel engine imply that it we could see the new engine on the road in 2008.
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