VAUXHALL is set to increase gas vehicle sales by more than 50% in 2001 following a 300% rise in business last year. In 1999 Vauxhall, Britain's leading manufacturer of dual-fuel gas powered cars, sold 799 vehicles. Sales increased to 2,395 vehicle last year despite a shortage of grants from the Government-funded TransportAction PowerShift scheme.

And this year sales are predicted to increase to 3,400 units with Vauxhall adding more gas-powered models to its range. A 1.8-litre dual-fuel Vectra will be launched next month replacing a 2.0-litre LPG version. In May/June two 1.6-litre dual fuel engines will be launched with a 16v unit powering the Vauxhall Astra and an 8v unit in the Astravan. The 1.6 16v unit will also enter service in the Zafira.

And this week Derby City Council, which already has eight Vauxhall Combo 1.4 LPG vans, is to take delivery of a further 14 Astra 1.6 LPG vans, a four-door Astra 1.6 CD LPG saloon and a Citroen Berlingo LPG van in early March. The vehicles will operate on a four-year full maintenance contract with and were supplied by Pentagon Vauxhall, Derby. They join the rest of the council's 300-vehicle fleet - which ranges from Ford Transits to HGVs.