Fiat Commits to CNG Power Now! Offers 6 New Models - IMPORTANT VIDEO STORY

EDITOR'S NOTE*: In this video story Fiat correctly states the case for compressed natural gas versus gasoline. The great significance to this story is that Fiat may very soon be directing the fortunes of Chrysler. The Auto Channel has ardently campaigned for the immediate change to CNG and propane as America's primary engine fuel. Chrysler, along with Ford and GM know how to make CNG vehicles (and in fact have done so in the past in the U.S.). Maybe Fiat's inspiration will push the Detroit Three back in the right direction.

TURIN, Italy - April 29, 2009: Methane is the most ecological fuel currently available, which is why methane (CNG) powered cars can be driven in city centres, in areas of restricted traffic and even in situations where most cars are completely prohibited. Methane also costs up to 50% less than gasoline/petrol. Fiat has gradually been introducing methane technology throughout its range with methane versions of the Grande Punto, Panda, Punto, as well as the Multipla and Doblò.

FIAT'S POSITION ON CNG
Methane (CNG - compressed natural gas) is the most ecological fuel currently available, which is why methane fueled cars can be driven in city centers, in areas of restricted traffic and even in situations where most cars are completely prohibited. Methane also costs up to 50% less than petrol. Fiat has gradually been introducing methane technology throughout its range with methane versions of the Grande Punto, Panda, Punto, as well as the Multipla and Doblò.

Fiat is one of the international automotive brands responding most effectively to the need to limit the impact of transport on the environment. Fiat is proposing specific solutions that are within the reach of everyone and are available today to achieve this significant goal. This is borne out by the products present on the market; research and development plans; sustainable mobility initiatives promoted in conjunction with governments - and investments in new product development.

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Fiat believes that methane propulsion systems are currently the most appropriate and readily-available technology for resolving pollution problems in urban areas. This is because the use of methane has positive implications in terms of environmental benefits (reduction of approximately 23% in CO2 emissions and reduction of PM emissions to practically zero). Furthermore, methane proves itself to be a valid financial alternative to traditional fuels (diesel and petrol), which are increasingly subject to rising prices. An example? For a Panda Panda a full tank of methane (12 kg) costs around 10 euro and allows for a range of 270 km over a combined cycle.

In addition, Natural Power cars can be relied upon to register minimal emissions: this means the customer can drive around town centres with traffic restrictions (due to excessive pollution) and also park the car in garages. Moreover, Italy's methane distribution network is becoming more and more widespread: there are currently more than 600 plants with plans for the opening of around 100 new distributors before long.

A world leader in OEM methane-driven cars (in Italy almost 80,000 cars were sold from January 2007 to May 2008), Fiat Group Automobiles is the first manufacturer to offer a wide range of dual fuel methane-petrol vehicles in its eco-friendly “Natural Power” range, responding to the mobility needs of an extensive number of people, including the trade, crafts, and goods transportation sectors: Multipla Natural Power, Punto Natural Power, Panda Panda Natural Power, Panda Panda Climbing Natural Power and Doblò Natural Power. Climbing Natural Power, Doblò Natural Power The cars and commercial vehicles that make up the Natural Power fleet made available to Legambiente’s "Green Schooner" campaign are described below.

*Marc Rauch, The Auto Channel's Exec. VP/Co-Publisher, now owns and drives a factory-built CNG Dodge van.