Mercedes Benz announced this week it will display a prototype of a vehicle that runs on compressed natural gas (LP gas) at the upcoming Washington Auto Show. Mercedes Benz is considering releasing a compressed gas vehicle for sale in the U.S. market within the next several years. Many European automakers are convinced that the key to success in today’s American market lies in offering a variety of alternatively fueled vehicles and then producing the one that “takes off” as the most user-friendly new car.
Some analysts feel that pushing the Big Three Detroit American makers toward plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles will be their death knell, and that America’s rich reserves of natural gas are a more cost-effective and easily accomplished alternative. LP vehicles have been in use for years in large farm machinery and some OTR trucks.
Tags: CNG, Compressed Natural Gas