Following on from the last Global Autogas Industry Network (GAIN) meeting in Kuala Lumpur in February, this time 40 delegates from around the world came together in Marrakech, Morocco on 18 May 2010 for the second of three yearly GAIN meetings.
A series of presentations were given including a joint case study from Repsol and vehicle manufacturer, Mercedes Benz about Autogas ambulances in Spain. In order to further develop the Autogas market in Spain, Repsol signed an agreement with the National Federation of Ambulance Companies (ANEA) in collaboration with vehicle manufacturer Mercedes Benz, Spain in September 2009.
Just after seven months from signing the agreement, there are now 86 Mercedes Benz ambulances that run on Repsol Autogas which means an average consumption of 774 tons per year.
Ana Lopez Ballesteros, Key Account Manager (Microbuses and Ambulances) from Mercedes Benz said “initially it was very difficult to introduce Autogas into the Spanish market. However I am pleased that our partnership with Repsol has provided a platform to open up the Autogas market in Spain.”
“Our objective is to have 400 to 500 Mercedes Benz ambulances running on Repsol Autogas by 2011. It is imperative for us to continuously work with the Autogas industry to further raise the awareness of Autogas and the many fantastic benefits of this alterative green fuel,” added Lopez.
“There are many benefits of having ambulances run on Autogas. Ambulances running on Autogas are far quieter than regular fuels, as well as providing a significant cost saving” said Inigo Palacio Prada, Chairman of GAIN and previous Autogas Marketing Manager, Repsol. “We still have a lot of work to do to increase the level of awareness about Autogas and continuously work towards getting more refuelling points in place” he added.
Autogas Updates
In an effort to continuously raise the level of awareness of Autogas, the electronic version of the ‘Autogas Updates’ newsletter has been resurrected and the first edition distributed in mid May prior to the GAIN meeting.
New GAIN Chairman
David Tyler, Director of Technology and Business Practices, World LP Gas Association announced at the recent GAIN meeting that Mr Inigo Palacio Prada, current GAIN Chairman will be standing down as Chairman due to an internal move within Reposol. David thanked Inigo for his efforts and commitment over the past 2 years. Inigo’s last GAIN meeting will be at the Madrid Forum in September. David was also pleased to announce that Mr Joël Pedessac from the French LPG Association (CFBP) will become the new Chairman of GAIN and will take up his new position in September.
