CALOR Autogas has launched a network of preferred liquefied petroleum gas converters in an attempt to give fleets assurance the work will be done to the highest standards.

Calor has put the Preferred Converters Scheme together by approaching firms it has worked with. Converters cannot pay to join the network, and at present there are 17 outlets nationwide, although Calor envisages more than 20 being signed up eventually.

Paul Oxford, sales development manager for Calor Autogas said: 'Fleet managers can now be confident that they are dealing with converters with the highest level of expertise. The UK saw the 1,000th retail Autogas site opened in December 2001. This is the next logical step, ensuring consistent standards of work and easier access to advice and support for fleet managers.'

The scheme is linked to fleet vehicle dealers and retail refuelling sites, and Calor believes this will deliver a full LPG support package to fleet managers.

Oxford denied that this network will step on the toes of the LPG Association, which has its own approved converters list. He said that converters in the Calor network all have to be on the approved LPGA list already.

Tom Fiddell, chairman of the LPGA, applauded the move. He said: 'It's a good marketing scheme and the industry needs all the initiatives it can get. We would support any companies that do this sort of thing.'

The LPGA is also celebrating the 500th technician to pass it's Approved Installer Scheme. The LPGA set up the scheme in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions as a way of policing the standards of conversion companies and is using the landmark as an opportunity to remind fleets to only use converters certified through the scheme.