New CNG Fleet vehicles?

[kgjuice]

Does anyone know if any of the car makers offer new CNG vans or trucks for fleet vehicles? Thanks

[Taildragger1]

Re: New CNG Fleet vehicles?

No, they do not! They are badly needed by many fleets (airports etc.) as their existing vehicles are ageing but other than the Honda GX, nothing else can be had. If they are profitable as they were, then the only possible reason is something crooked at the federal level. All of the manufacturers refuse to comment. I've been trying to get something, anything, for years now.

[mickey]

Re: New CNG Fleet vehicles?

No, they do not! They are badly needed by many fleets (airports etc.) as their existing vehicles are ageing but other than the Honda GX, nothing else can be had. If they are profitable as they were, then the only possible reason is something crooked at the federal level. All of the manufacturers refuse to comment. I've been trying to get something, anything, for years now.

The Fed offers generous tax incentives for CNG vehicles. There is no scary "conspiracy." They weren't profitable.

CNG isn't even available in most the country, or it's not price-competitive with gasoline. We can't judge every state by Utah's unusual situation. If CNG were 64 cents a gallon nationwide you wouldn't be able to give away a gasoline-fueled car.

It's simple economics.

[cngmike]

Re: New CNG Fleet vehicles?

Let see if I have this straight Gas is $4.00 a gallon. CNG is available for a range from $0.60 to 2.89 per GGE. The big worlds auto Mfg. have built a small amount of vehicles and made them very difficult to get. G.M. Built CNGs based on the orders they got from Fleets one time a year. Ford and Chrysler about the same with a small amount built on spec. Toyota built 600 and sold only to government fleets Honda only recently started selling to the public in now 2 states (correct me if I'm wrong Curtis). All of them with virtually no advertising or P.R. In all the years I have ben in this Business CNG has always be The Bridesmaid. And the latest and greatest has always been just out of reach. In 1993 The EPA and AQMD held a clean car rally that covered much of Southern Ca. NGV's placed first in every class they could compete in. The next year they weren't invited back to compete. Were are you electric, solar, methanol and hydrogen cars today? In my estimation CNG is not perfect fuel and in my life style I will still have to own a gasoline vehicle. I would like a decent electric vehicle for a lot of my driving but none are made at this time. I own a NGV and plan on owning more.

[Curtis]

Re: New CNG Fleet vehicles?

That seems to sum up the history of fleet vehicles, with one oversight. Honda has a designated "Fleet" GX dealer in every state and multiple retail dealers in Ca & NY, however they don't limit themselves to fleet in some cases... and I guess they are calling their retail activities a "fleet of one" and bending the rules a tad.

[maxman]

Re: New CNG Fleet vehicles?

Maybe one of the reasons could be a reliablity issue? What percentage of Ford's CNG vehicles had the compuvalves replaced under warranty. I would imagine that issue could give pause on the part of a manufacturer.
Actually, are there any CNG vehicle manufacturers with high mileage (150,000 plus) that have not had to overall have major repairs done to the CNG system? I am not asking this sarcastically, but really am wondering which makers systems seem to be more reliable?
I imagine a safe assumption would be something in the economics, where a realiablity issue, demand, or additional cost could be the issue. I think those of us familar with CNG vehicles are fairly accepting of them, but what is the perception of the general public?
Max

[Devo]

Re: New CNG Fleet vehicles?

Word on the street is that BAF will partner with individual Ford dealerships to convert new vehicles to CNG (including warranty/service). BAF contact information can be found here - http://devinhowe.com/node/30 - or on CNGAZ blog here - http://blog.cngaz.com/2008/02/27/cng...-near-you.aspx (Thanks CNGAZ)