In a programme managed by Powertrain Limited, a sister company and supplier of engines to MG Rover Group, customers can now order an optional OEM (original equipment manufacturer) approved LPG conversion on new or existing 1.4-, 1.6- or 1.8-litre Rover and MG cars. LPG, approximately 50% cheaper alternative fuel to petrol, is cleaner for the environment and available at many filling stations throughout the UK.

Conversions are available on the following manual transmission Rover and MG models:

The company is developing approved LPG conversions on other saloon and estate petrol versions of MG and Rover cars – 1.8T and V6 models – and will release plans for their introduction in the forthcoming weeks.

The retail price of the LPG conversion on a Rover or MG car, including installation, is £2,195. The Government funded Powershift rebate (details available at www.powershift.org.uk) covers Band 4 cars (MG and Rover 1.6/1.8-litre models) with a 60% rebate and approximately 50% for the Band 3 rated 1.4-litre cars on the cost of conversion.

LPG is a mixture of propane and butane that comes from oil refining and natural gas fields. It is a cleaner fuel for the environment than petrol, as it contains less contaminating components like sulphur and aromatic compounds. A further advantage of LPG is the 50% saving versus petrol.

To encourage the switch to more environmentally friendly methods of travel the Government has introduced several measures: Powershift Grants – customers who convert their vehicles to LPG can get a grant of up to 60% towards conversion cost. Fuel Duty – the Government has promised to freeze duty on LPG until 2004 and the ongoing Green Government policies are to continuously reward the cleanest fuels through fiscal measures. Congestion Charges in London from 17 February (normally £5 per day) and under a European ‘Alter’ project, over 30 UK cities and large towns will be introducing similar schemes. Band 4 LPG vehicles are currently exempt from these charges.

LPG is forecast to grow in popularity as manufacturers like MG Rover Group introduce approved LPG conversions and as other cities adopt similar congestion charging schemes.