Friday, October 17, 2008

Venezuela to Offer Free NGVs - More Models Coming - NGV Global - Alternative Fuel, CNG, NGV, LNG

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has announced plans to exchange old gasoline consumer vehicles for free new pressed natural gas (CNG) ones.
The program is part of official efforts to save petroleum while combating environmental pollution. During a ceremony in the northeastern state of Sucre, Chavez said he hoped to begin the program in early 2009. The Venezuelan President warned that old cars - especially those produced before 1970, which are still used by poor people - consume a lot of gasoline and are very polluting. Venezuela is the fifth largest exporter of oil and has the eighth largest gas reserves. The plan also includes free natural gas for a year, although this is not a major factor since gasoline in Venezuela is only 12 cents a gallon. Meanwhile General Motors (GM) Venzuela is reportedly planning annual production of 40,000 Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) units, commencing April 2009, as announced by Ronaldo Znidarsis, president of the American brand in Venezuela. As part of the inauguration of a truck assembly plant in Mariara, Carabobo state, Znidarsis told guests that GM is ready to commence once some information is clarified by the government.Under government policy, automotive sector companies are obliged to ensure that 30% of their production vehicles are natural gas vehicles. This percentage should rise to 40% by 2010 and 50% for 2011. Although the government still has not explained the dynamics of supply and the policy of subsidy of gas cylinders, the government decree was stipulated that PDVSA will assume the costs of acquisition, installation and maintenance of equipment. "We're going to mature first models of eminent brands to continue with other vehicles," said commercial director, Fernando Agudelo.Aveo and Optra models were approved for bi-fuel (petrol / natural gas) during the first phase of the plan.

No comments:

Post a Comment