SKODA is planning to spark a fresh sales drive by launching its first 'super clean' vehicle in the next few weeks. The company's liquefied petroleum gas-powered Felicia cube van will be available from the end of May at an on-the-road price of less than £10,000. The company was persuaded to look at offering customers gas-powered vehicles after an approach by a fleet operator.

A 20-strong demonstration fleet of the pick-up-based vehicle is now being prepared and will soon be followed in the showrooms by gas-driven versions of the latest Felicia estate car.

Conversions by Milton Keynes-based vehicle engineering and development specialist Tickford give the Felicia a 220-mile range on gas, now significantly more viable after fuel price increases and company car tax concessions in the Budget. Each conversion will be included in the list of mechanical components which are backed by Skoda UK's three-year unlimited mileage warranty.