BI-FUEL Volvos, with space-saving gas tanks integrated into the floor, were unveiled at the British International Motor Show on Tuesday. Production of factory-built 1.8-litre petrol/LPG S40 and V40 models is due to begin in November, with deliveries to UK fleets from January.

Compressed natural gas and LPG versions of the 2.4-litre petrol engine will become available for V70 and S80 early in 2001 with S60 Bi-Fuel models following later in the year.

Also key to Volvo's push for 6,000 extra fleet sales in 2001, targeted at a total of 22,000 units, is a new 2.4-litre aluminium common rail diesel engine which will be making its UK debut at the show. Compared with its direct injection predecessor, this will offer an increase of power from 143bhp to 163bhp at 4,000rpm and torque up from 214lb-ft to 250lb-ft at 1,750rpm.

The new diesel will be available in S80 and V70 from the first quarter of 2001 and then in the S60 sports saloon, which will be launched 180bhp 2.0T, 200bhp 2.4T and 250bhp T5 petrol engines for New Year delivery. On-the-road prices start from less than £20,000.