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December 26, 2005
Mercedes to manufacture gasoline/natural gas powered vehicle in Thailand
Mecedes-Benz, has planned to set up a production base of vehicles using bi-fuel technology that can run either on regular gasoline or natural gas in Thailand.
In the new plant Mercedes will be manufacturing--among other planned models--the E 200 NGT which made its debut on Germany's roads in the spring of last year. The variant of the popular E Class sedan cuts emissions by 20%.
As well as making it one of the most cost-effective models in the Mercedes range, the 120-kW/163-hp four-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the bi fuel E 200 NGT also makes it the most powerful natural-gas-driven saloon currently in production. Operating mode can be switched conveniently at the touch of a button
At present, Thailand operates 58 natural gas (Compressed Natural Gas or CNG) service stations. It plans to increase the number to 160 next year and 740 nationwide in 2010.
The number of vehicles using natural gas in Thailand now total 500,000 units with the consumption of 365 million cubit feet per day.
To promote the consumption, the Thai government will reduce an excise tax on natural gas vehicles (using either CNG or LNG) by 10 per cent to 20 per cent and give an import tariff exemption for NGV cylinders and other related equipment.
Posted by admin at December 26, 2005 12:01 PM