PEUGEOT is preparing for a tough marketing challenge this year when it joins the race for a slice of the growing 'green' fleet market with two new LPG launches - a 1.8-litre 406 in saloon and estate form and 1.4-litre Partner van. Buyers can expect to pay between £1,500 and £2,000 more than the equivalent petrol models but the manufacturer expects them to be eligible for a 75% Powershift grant.

Peugeot will want to ensure that it does not win customers at the expense of its reputation for leading the diesel market, and it also stresses that it is not abandoning its electric vehicle policy and is continuing with the battery-powered 106 car and Partner van which it sees as particularly suitable for multi-stop low-mileage fleets.The LPG range is aimed at fleets with more flexible, longer-range requirements, hence a potential conflict with the HDi diesel engine range which has redefined levels of performance and offers great strides in fuel economy, combined with lower emissions.

Geoff Benney, wholelife cost manager for Peugeot, believes the vehicles will sit perfectly side by side in the marketplace. Each fuel will attract its own market and we are trying to appeal to all customers.'