Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reinforces its commitment to compressed natural gas (CNG) by signing an agreement with Gasnam. With this agreement, the brand establishes its strong commitment to the development and promotion of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a real alternative in Spain, a market in which this option is still a minority despite its many advantages.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles already broke a spear in favour of natural gas last year with the launch of the Caddy CNG. With three variants (Furgón, Kombi and Trendline) and a 1.4 TGI engine of 110 hp, in a few months it has become the commercial vehicle with this best-selling technology in Spain during 2018, with 443 units delivered.
Gasnam is an association that encourages the use of natural and renewable gas in mobility, both road and sea, in the Iberian Peninsula. Its objectives are the improvement of air quality, the decarbonisation of transport and the promotion of the circular economy. It has 126 partners from multiple sectors related to ECO mobility in its different facets: energy, automotive, engineering, freight and passenger transport, ports, shipping, shipyards, universities and administrations.
With this agreement Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will contribute to the development of ECO mobility by actively participating in the Working Groups where the positions that will be defended before the administration to promote sustainable mobility through the use of CNG are agreed. As a preferred partner of Gasnam, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will have 16 votes in the Board of Directors and will benefit from the numerous synergies derived from their active participation in workshops and work breakfasts, among others. Likewise, the brand will join its efforts to those of Gasnam for the dissemination of the actions it carries out, in order to promote sustainable mobility.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a cleaner, quieter and cheaper fuel than diesel or petrol, and can save up to 30% compared to the first and up to 50% compared to the second. In addition, thanks to its ECO label, vehicles such as Caddy GNC enjoy free access to cities such as Madrid or Barcelona in case of high pollution episodes, as well as parking facilities. The CNG engine has significantly lower emission levels, up to 23% less CO2 emissions and 80% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has closed the best year in the history of the brand in Spain. With more than 18,600 units registered in 2018, the result of the brand increased by 12.2%. A growth higher than the total market, which stood at 7.7% with 214,207 units enrolled.
Source: Gasnam