Natural gas vehicles are still on the rise. The number of registered vehicles is also increasing in the district of Giessen. Another sign of this development is the sales of natural gas at Markus Mederer's Aral petrol station at Marburger Straße 229 in Giessen. This is because the volume of gas dispensed has increased in less than a year. One month after Stadtwerke Gießen AG (SWG) launched the natural gas pump in April 2004, the petrol station owner was selling around 3,000 kilograms (kg) of natural gas per month. The number of customers filling up at half price at the petrol station has risen steadily over the past year. Last month, Mederer already sold over 10,500 kg of the alternative fuel. The investment in the natural gas filling station was pioneering work by the Giessen-based energy and water supplier. SWG's aim was to actively promote the market launch of natural gas as a fuel in the region. The fact that driving with natural gas has a future is not only proven by sales at the filling station. The number of users of SWG's subsidy programme has also increased. There are now 22 owners of natural gas vehicles taking advantage of the SWG subsidy programme. SWG's vehicle fleet is also already equipped with natural gas vehicles. While 21 cars in the service of SWG run on gas, the municipal utility company also has its first natural gas-powered commercial vehicle - a Daimler Benz Sprinter - in use. Stadtwerke offers a subsidy for all natural gas vehicles designed by the company and registered in the Giessen region. Anyone taking advantage of this programme will pay only half the current natural gas price of 68.9 cents for one year. The subsidy programme runs until 31 March 2005, and the district of Giessen has also put its first natural gas-powered vehicle into service and is filling up at half price. The advantages of natural gas are obvious. The unrivalled low price and the environmental benefits favour natural gas as a fuel. Vehicles optimised for natural gas are characterised by very low pollutant emissions compared to petrol and diesel cars: Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide are reduced by up to 80 per cent (30 per cent compared to diesel). The combustion of natural gas is practically soot and particle-free. Information for everyoneDrivers who are annoyed by the price board at their next petrol stop should take a closer look at the subject of natural gas vehicles. A visit to the dealership is certainly worthwhile for anyone interested. Visitors can also obtain information and useful tips at the infoCentre on the market square. The energy experts are available to answer questions from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm.
18.01.2005