LONDON, August 31, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Stringent carbon dioxide (CO2) emission norms, government regulations, and ecological standards will be the key drivers for the growth of liquefied petroleum gas/compressed natural gas (LPG/CNG) vehicles in developed countries, particularly in the European Union (EU). On the one hand, CNG vehicles are expected to experience significant growth in the coming years in Europe. On the other hand, LPG vehicles will continue to be a competitive option due to EU incentives resulting from lobbying by the oil companies.

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New analysis from Frost Sullivan (http://www.automotive.frost.com), Executive Analysis of Global LPG/CNG Vehicles Market, finds that India, Italy and Russia are the largest markets for LPG-powered cars and Pakistan, Iran, India and Italy are the largest markets for CNG-powered cars.

The Turkish and Polish markets will be significant for LPG growth in the coming years, says Frost Sullivan Research Analyst Hariher Balasubramanian. Italy is set to remain the largest market for LPG/CNG car sales followed by Iran and India by 2016.

Cost savings of an average of 50 per cent compared to petrol/diesel vehicles will further drive growth in the global LPG/CNG vehicles market. While India is poised to be the undisputed leader in growth for LPG and CNG car sales, the Iranian market for CNG vehicles has the highest sales of CNG vehicles in the world. These sales are encouraged by strong governmental regulations.

However, a major challenge for this market is insufficient CNG and LPG service stations infrastructure and a poor refuelling station network, explains Balasubramanian. Fuel companies will be the key participants in the LPG/CNG market value chain and their response to reducing GHG emissions will be important.

International government bodies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers in the market and fuel companies should work together to develop refuelling infrastructure, facilitating LPG/CNG vehicle sales.

There is a lack of understanding of the benefits of LPG/CNG by the global population, concludes Industry Manager Krishanasami Rajagopalan. LPG and CNG will greatly help in reducing fleet emissions.

If you are interested in more information on this study, please e-mail Monika Kwiecinska, Corporate Communications, at monika.kwiecinska@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.

Executive Analysis of Global LPG/CNG Vehicles Market is part of the Automotive Transportation Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Strategic Analysis of Electric Vehicles Infrastructure in Europe and Revenue Generation Opportunities for Utilities and 360 Degree Analysis of Global Electric Vehicles Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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Executive Analysis of Global LPG/CNG Vehicles Market M550 Contact: Monika Kwiecinska Corporate Communications - Europe P: +48-22-390-4127 F: +48-22-390-4160 E: monika.kwiecinska@frost.com http://www.frost.com

SOURCE: Frost SOURCE: Sullivan

CONTACT: Monika Kwiecinska, Corporate Communications - Europe, Frost Sullivan, +48-22-390-4127, Fax, +48-22-390-4160,monika.kwiecinska@frost.com