Mazda has seen an increase in Mazda6 sales to UK fleets who intend to convert the car to liquefied petroleum gas with the expectation of significantly more orders in the pipeline.

Mazda6 LPG conversions have already joined the fleet of the LPG Division of fuel giant BP.

Additionally, Mazda3 and Mazda6 models have been ordered by Calor Gas for conversion and Gleaner Oils has three Mazda3 models on order. Mazda is also in talks with a number of other organisations about supplying cars for LPG conversion purposes.

The aftermarket conversions are all being carried out by Prins Autogas UK, which has two in-house conversion centres in the West Midlands and Southampton.

The company, which now also operates a Mazda6 LPG car, is the UK distributor of Prins Autogas Systems, which is owned by Dutch company SHV Gas, which also owns Calor Gas in the UK.

Mazda fleet and remarketing director Peter Allibon said: "Prins Autogas UK undertook the conversion work on behalf of BP after the company ordered its first Mazda models.

"They were so delighted with the conversion and the styling of the model that they contacted Mazda to say they would like to undertake other conversion work in the future.

"That triggered significant interest from a number of fleets, including Calor Gas and Gleaner Oils, and we are in talks with a number of other businesses interested in taking delivery of LPG converted Mazdas."