Toyota launches double-fuel Gasoline/CNG taxi in Thailand

Toyota Motor Thailand Co (TMT) has introduced a compressed natural gas powered car under the Limo brand for use as a taxi.

The Limo CNG was jointly developed by TMT and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific in line with Toyota’s policy of producing vehicles that are environmentally friendly and also compatible with alternative fuels such as biodiesel, gasohol and CNG _ commonly known in Thailand as natural gas for vehicles (NGV).

Developed on the structure of the 10th generation of the Corolla Altis, the Limo CNG is a dual-fuel car _ able to run on both E20 gasohol and CNG _ designed for low fuel costs when used for public transport services, said TMT vice-president Vichien Emprasertsook.

The new car will mainly target the local taxi market. Its projected sales are 200 units per month, rising to between 400 and 500 units per month next year. Delivery of the vehicles is scheduled to start at the middle of next month.

The Limo CNG, which is only available with a 1.6-litre engine, will retail at 724,000 baht, including value added tax and an air-conditioning system _ 90,000 baht more than the gasoline-powered Limo.

The new model will be manufactured at Toyota’s Chachoengsao plant, where Mr Vichien said it would be produced and equipped with standardised parts, accessories and equipment to ensure maximum safety.

The Limo CNG has passed the Euro 3 emission standard. It retains an E20 fuel system and tank but is also equipped with a CNG system with a 75-litre tank in the trunk.

Mr Vichien said he was not concerned that the gradual decline in fuel prices might affect the market for CNG-powered cars.

The price of CNG _ heavily subsidised at 8.50 baht per kilogramme _ is lower than that of regular benzene and is kept low by the government’s commitment to promoting the use of CNG in vehicles.

TMT is now considering offering a CNG-powered Corolla Altis for private or home use. Research will focus on CNG and E20 prices and demand as well as the expansion of PTT’s CNG refuelling network.

An 11-seat CNG-powered Toyota Ventury van is also under study.

TMT started developing cars powered by locally supplied CNG when the world oil price sat well above US$100 a barrel and showed no signs of dropping

credit:Bangkokpost