ENGINEERING company Tickford has unveiled a new research and development vehicle to spearhead an awareness drive on the benefits of alternative fuels for vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators. The modified Ford Transit long wheelbase panel van has been equipped to run in various forms including: bi-fuel operation on petrol or compressed natural gas (CNG), mono-fuel dedicated operation on CNG and bi-fuel operation on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The main objective of the project is to investigate compliance with future, stricter emissions legislation in addition to optimising on-board fuel storage arrangements. The demonstration vehicle achieves new standards in minimising intrusion into the load space, minimises weight and optimises weight distribution. New designs of gas containers are also being evaluated in the areas of cost and weight trade-offs.

Tickford has specialised in alternative fuel conversions for several years and has delivered six gas powered Ford Transit vehicles to the Royal Mail which are taking part in a trial being conducted in conjunction with Ford and BP. Lasting two years the experiment is designed to analyse the potential of CNG and LPG.

The Milton Keynes-based company is currently working on a number of projects with several vehicle manufacturers to make 'straight from the showroom' alternative fuel vehicles a cost-effective reality.