Westport Innovations and Volvo Car Belux have debuted the 2016 Volvo V60 Bi-Fuel car for the Belgium and Luxembourg markets, where it is now available for order at participating Volvo dealers in the region.
“Using compressed natural gas brings several advantages,including lower emissions, less engine wear due to reduced residue production, and lower fuel consumption compared to a traditional petrol engine,” says Wim Maes, managing director of Volvo Car Belux. “This car is future-forward, reducing CO2 emissions from 149g to 116g, and when operated using biogas, the emissions fall further to 38g.”
“Following on the success of Volvo Bi-Fuel cars in Sweden, this is the first export market for the vehicles and has attracted interest from fleets, dealers and governments who support the reality of cleaner vehicles,” adds Per-Inge Kruse, customer director for Westport. “Bringing Bi-Fuel Volvo cars to new markets will add value to customers who seek the environmental benefits of compressed natural gas but also want the performance, premium quality and safety that Volvo brings.”
Belgium currently boasts 40 natural gas refueling stations, with 30 more planned for 2016 to meet demand for the growing number of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The number of CNG vehicles on Belgium roads increased from 650 to 2,600 between December 2013 and December 2015.
