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VOTE of Confidence for $3B LPG Vehicle Industry

Announcement posted by Elgas 22 May 2015

Elgas, Australia’s largest supplier of LPG and Autogas, welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement today of a $60,000 investment towards a demand study for an LPG vehicle production plant in Geelong.

Cameron Ure, Elgas’ General Manager for Unigas, said the investment is the first positive signal for an industry hit by a perfect storm.

“The recent Holden and Ford manufacturing closures that have shutdown Australia’s only locally-produced LPG vehicles, together with changes in government policy, have been compounded by the growth of new diesel vehicle purchases that accelerated the decline in LPG aftermarket conversion centres,” said Mr Ure.

“The commitment from the Victorian Government to explore the possibility of an LPG vehicle production plant in Geelong recognises the immediate and direct economic and social benefits available from Autogas.”

“On road testing and research tells us that Autogas saves motorists money and reduces emissions - all without compromising vehicle performance,” said Mr Ure.

The Australian Autogas industry needs critical government support to leverage the $3 billion investment in current infrastructure and a network of more than 3,000 refuelling stations. The Victorian Government’s commitment to ascertain the economic and technology benefits of the current and future LPG vehicle market provides a new opportunity to reinvigorate a high value industry.

“Not only do we have a willing industry ready to work in partnership with government to identify a future direction, Australia has an abundant supply of LPG that is immediately available to support this industry as it responds to market demand.

“Reinvigorating the new and retrofitted Autogas small and heavy vehicles market in Australia will provide a significant boost to the regional skilled workforce, and reduce vehicle emissions by 15%.

“We welcome the Victorian Government’s partnership with the industry to identify solutions that deliver efficient and effective economic benefits. We will work diligently to identify new innovative technologies that will deliver substantial benefits to industry and the community,” said Mr Ure.

Elgas, in partnership with the Victorian Government, and strategic partnerships with Gas Energy Australia and the VACC, are committed to arresting the downturn of a significant and viable Australian industry. Elgas looks forward to the results of the Victorian Government’s study and future support from the Australian Government, as the economic opportunities are realised.

Media contact: Melissa Bairstow 0421 807 669 ׀ mbairstow@primary-pr.com