DIESEL and not gas power is the fuel of the future, according to Volkswagen UK boss Robin Woolcock as the 'green' car battle continues to rage. 'Gas power is inferior to diesel,' said Volkswagen UK managing director Woolcock, stressing the approximate £1,500 cost of vehicle conversions to gas power and low mpg performance as the downside of the alternative fuel.

While Volkswagen says it has the capability to convert vehicles to gas power Woolcock said: 'We remain dedicated to diesel technology. Diesel is better on every possible count that we can see.' Many fleets return about 50mpg from a 90bhp TDI Passat and emissions from Volkswagen's stable of diesel engines all meet environmental targets set well into the next millennium.

Woolcock said: 'I am amazed about the arguments raging. The less fuel used means less emissions and that equates to diesel.' Next year Volkswagen will launch unit injector diesel engines - the manufacturer's answer to new common rail diesel engines. They will be quieter, more powerful and more fuel-efficient.