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Vehicles Running On CNG


Vehicles that run on compressed natural gas are called natural gas vehicles. These modes of transport are specially designed to utilize either compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas as the automobile fuel, instead of the conventional gasoline. In many countries, such as the United States of America, compressed natural gas is used to fuel car, vans, pick-up trucks, transit and school-buses and trucks. Other countries, like Malaysia, consume compressed natural gas for taxi-cabs and airport uses. India employs CNG mainly for public transport system and this source of energy is even used in auto-rickshaws. Thailand also follows suit by exploiting CNG for its tuk-tuks as does Pakistan for its three-wheelers.

Up to 2009, there are nearly 11 million natural gas vehicles in the world. Asia is holds the highest number of NGVs, accounting to more than half of the world’s quantity. Pakistan records the most natural gas vehicles, around 2,250,000, which include cars, busses, trucks and others. The second highest is Iran, having about 1,700,000 natural gas vehicles on its roads. Taiwan and Vietnam are the smallest users of ngv, with only 4 and 2 of such vehicles respectively. Regionally, the South and Central parts of the world come in second after Asia; having a total of almost 4 million NGVs. Africa possesses the lowest quantity of NGVs, which is less than 300. There are about 900,000 natural gas vehicles in Europe and nearly 90,000 in Eurasia, while North America is almost reaching 120,000.


With respect to the increasing number of natural gas vehicles being produced, it comes as little surprise the models and specifications of such automobiles are also seeing improvement and additions. The most renowned natural gas car is the Honda Civic GX. At present, it is the only light-duty car that is manufactured in the United States of America. It is one of the cleanest-running cars available to the public. The Civic does not need gasoline and is the only factory-built automobile that runs purely on compressed natural gas. The Honda Civic car offers consumers the attractive specifications as those running on gasoline. Among others, a sporty design, aerodynamic exterior with new six-sided grille, two-tier instrument panel and an MP3/Windows Media Player besides complying with safety requirements. It is sold to consumers at a starting price close to $26,000. Besides that, tax incentives are given to consumers who purchase this vehicle in the United States.


There are also other NGV models being introduced to consumers such as the Fiat. The Fiat, produced by the Turin manufacturer is known to be the favorite in Italy and Europe. It offers consumers the choice of bi-fueling either petrol or methane. When the Fiat Panda was released in 2007, there were more than 28,000 orders in the first 5 months alone. It also won the European Car of the Year award in 2004. Fiat models are very appealing to consumers as they are factory built in a way that enables fuel tanks to be installed under the vehicle’s body. This frees up the trunk space for car owner to use as they wish. Another top model of this manufacturer is the Fiat Multipla which won the Top Gear’ Gear’s Car of the Year award in 2000, and the ‘Best MPV’ for a following number of years. The Fiat Multipla, based on the Brava, consists of two rows of 3 seats, unlike any other competing cars. Its body, which is shorter and wider than other cars, offers consumers greater seating and space. Boasting about its inner room and flexibility, this car went through a major makeover on its design in 2004 to get more customers. Another NGV by Fiat is the Fiat Qubo Natural Power, released in 2009.

Another automobile that is growing in popularity is the Volkswagen Touran EcoFuel Natural Gas Car. This car is esteemed to be environmentally friendly as well as providing flexibility to consumers as they can run on either compressed natural gas or gasoline. The use between gasoline

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Vehicles Running On CNG was originally published by world top cars. Read the full story by clicking here.