VAUXHALL has launched a demonstrator fleet of 50 dual-fuel cars and vans to give fleet operators the opportunity to trial gas-powered vehicles. Early interest has primarily come from public sector bodies which are under pressure to meet environmental targets and are eager to set an example of good citizenship.

Vauxhall's move follows a similar move by Ford, announced at the London Motor Show last year which has resulted in 50 gas-powered vehicles being distributed to fleets across the UK in the first six months of 1998. The company is preparing for modest sales of a few hundred gas-powered vehicles this year - each one takes an extra four weeks from order to delivery to cover the conversion time - but has production facilities to cope with much higher demand.