FORD has began delivering the first of its 50-strong fleet of gas-powered cars and vans to companies - with the first going to Fleet NewsNet sister publication Fleet News for a six-month trial. The manufacturer announced its gas demonstration fleet programme at last year's London Motor Show with rival manufacturer Vauxhall also launching a major gas fleet programme on the back of revealing that its gas-powered Combo van was now on sale.

This week Ford's director of fleet operations Mike Wear handed over the liquefied petroleum gas/petrol-engined 1.8i LX Mondeo to Fleet News, with a further 49 vehicles being delivered to fleets nationwide. They include police, fire, health trusts, local authorities, utilities, nationwide delivery companies and self-drive companies.

The demonstration fleet comprises 16 LPG 1.8i Mondeos, one LPG 2.0i Mondeo automatic, four compressed natural gas 2.0i Mondeo estates, two LPG 2.0i Mondeo estates, three CNG Courier vans, six LPG Couriers, five CNG Transit 80 vans, eight LPG Transit 80s, one LPG Transit 100, a CNG Transit 120, one LPG Transit 120, a CNG Transit 190 and one LPG Transit 190.

All the vehicles are bi-fuel - unleaded petrol and LPG or CNG - with a dashboard or central console-mounted switch allowing the driver to transfer from one mode to the other. Power output is fractionally down, resulting in a top speed reduction of 3-4mph and an increased acceleration time of one to two seconds.