VAUXHALL plans to have bi-fuel versions of its core car range available next month to meet the burgeoning fleet demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles. The car maker has developed engines which can run on both liquefied petroleum gas and unleaded petrol for the Corsa, Astra, Vectra and Omega, complementing its compressed natural gas powered Combo van which was launched at last year's London Motor Show.

Engineering facilities at Millbrook Proving Ground will convert the Corsa 1.4i hi-torque, Astra 1.6 8V, Vectra 2.0 16V and Omega 2.0 16V to run on liquefied petroleum gas. The 1.4- and 1.6-litre engines also feature in the Combo and Astravan range, making LPG versions of the vans readily available.

Vehicles for conversion will be transported directly from factories to Millbrook, and all will be supplied with a full Vauxhall warranty. Prices of the dual-fuel vehicles have yet to be determined, but are expected to be below the £2,000 supplement charged for the compressed natural gas Combo. Fleets can apply via the Government's Powershift programme for Energy Saving Trust grants to subsidise half the cost of the LPG conversion.