| When I decided to invest in a Toyota 4Runner for a magazine project, my partner thought I was raving mad. She looked at me stunned and continued to make subtle hints every time we passed a petrol pump at how high the price of petrol was, not to mention the lack of space parking the monster in a unit. Total car sales from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) for the first quarter of 2008 were 263,453 vehicles, up 8,385 or 3.3 per cent at the corresponding period last year. Sales of 4WDs rose 7,544, or 16.1 per cent over the past year, offsetting the drop in passenger car sales, 4,127, or 2.6 per cent year-to-date.
Last month, figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed new sales of 4WDs for February rose to their highest level, 18,344 for a month. More fuel guzzling 4WDs are being bought by Australians, even with petrol prices rising and four hikes in the official cash rate by the Reserve Bank of Australia since August last year.
Average petrol costs in Sydney from February 2007 to February 2008 jumped 19.91 per cent over the 12 months, according to fuel monitor FUELtrac.The thing is in the early 90’s, 4WDs coincided with very low oil prices.This basically meant the running cost was far lower than it is today. Consumers today are being lured by significant new model activity in the 4WD market, greater availability of diesel engines and a general preference for the versatility and flexibility that LPG has to offer. So is LPG the real reason behind the significant shift of sales?
Since I invested in an LPG conversion kit for my 4runner the results have been stupendous to say the least. But getting a conversion kit is an effort in itself. I spoke to David Boyce an ex-army diesel mechanic who voiced his opinions about the LPG issue. “There is way too long a waiting list here in Australia for getting it done since the government started offering the conversion rebate. I guess procrastinating wasn’t probably the best idea when it first came out,” adds David. Unfortunately today LPG converters are booked solid for months, so what is the next option? Jump on the Trading Post and find a car that is Dual Fuel and ready to go?
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Eventually to get the maximum efficiency out of your LPG converted vehicle there are a few things you need to keep in mind for the benefit of the environment and your pocket.
Also keep in mind a clean air filter can save you up to 12% in gas usage. Old or worn filters generally allow dust and dirt particles into the engine which not only affects the amount of fuel you use, but can also cause other engine faults that are expensive to repair.
When the Australian government made an announcement regarding the subsidy for LPG conversions, I took a long hard look at the options that lay before me. Apart for the fact that it generated 15% less CO2 and 20% less other harmful gases when combusted, I thought it was quite the efficient way to travel in comparison to petrol and diesel. It also evaporates quickly if there is some sort of spillage.
While online I managed to see a response to a post I put up regarding LPG and emissions around the world.
It is a fossil fuel and yes it's not really a green, earth-friendly solution, but if I can be a part of reducing the emissions that my vehicle belches up into the atmosphere; I guess it's better than taking no stand at all. I like to see it as a very small step for humanity. Please feel free to send us your feedback on LPG and your opinions on it.
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Australian LPG Warehouse
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