FLEET managers received a timely reminder at the Fleet Motor Show of the urgent need for alternatively-fuelled vehicles when the Department of Transport, Environment and the Regions issued its first smog warning of the summer. All the evidence from the show, however, suggested that fleet operators required no further warnings, with visitors expressing keen interest in gas-powered vehicles, as their organisations look to operate cleaner, greener vehicles.

Vauxhall capitalised on this environmental enthusiasm with the launch of its new dual-fuel Vectra, Omega and Combo, capable of running on both liquefied petroleum gas and unleaded petrol, and the manufacturer's green commitment has a long term future. Nick Reilly, Vauxhall's chairman and managing director, said: 'These new fuel cars and vans are not some passing fad; they are cheaper to run and kind to the environment.'

Vauxhall is charging a steep £2,725 premium for the dual-fuel cars, compared to its petrol-powered equivalents, although this does include a full manufacturer's parts and labour warranty. Cheaper LPG alternatives were on show from Skoda and Daihatsu, the former planning to sell its cube van for less than £9,000, while Daihatsu is selling a mono-fuel LPG version of its Hijet van for £7,600 or £7,400 (both plus VAT) for the pick-up.