Australia’s leading LPG equipment suppliers report stronger sales of retrofit Autogas engine kits for Australia’s most popular car, in response to recent petrol price volatility.

Mark Somers from Parnell LP Gas Systems says he has noticed a marked increase in kit sales to Commodore owners wanting to save money on fuel.

“LPG is clearly gaining a greater level of acceptance and credibility in the market place,” he says.

In common with several other major equipment suppliers, Parnell offers new-generation LPG injection systems for a wide range of current and previous generation models of Commodore.

“All our LPG kits are superior sequential vapour injection technology offering state-of-the-art components supplied by Prins in The Netherlands,” says Mr Somers.

Brian Evans from Global Autogas Systems notes a recent increase in the promotion of LPG by local car makers and says it is “sure to raise awareness in the aftermarket.”

“We are selling lots of sequential vapour LPG injection kits for VZ Commodore because the cars can be bought inexpensively on the second hand market – but I expect similar demand for VE Commodore conversions in the next year, or two.”

Australian LPG system manufacturer Sprint Gas is doing its bit to raise awareness of Autogas among Holden Commodore drivers, via naming rights sponsorship a two-car team in the V8 Supercar Championship.

Last month a Sprint Gas Racing Commodore finished a fighting second at the legendary Bathurst 1000 in the hands four-time winner Greg Murphy and co-driver Jason Richards.

“We’re using motor racing to advertise new LPG injection technology,” says Sprint Gas’s Giuseppe Boemo.

“At the same time I think it’s fair to say the increased support of local car makers for LPG will improve its credibility.”

LPG Australia says the number of Autogas conversions on Australian roads has grown rapidly thanks to the Federal Government LPG Vehicle Scheme.

The Federal Government says that since the $2000 grant for private vehicle conversion was introduced in August 2006, more than 184,000 grants have been paid.