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NEWS RELEASE
FIAT DUCATO BI-POWER AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW
Fiat has launched the Ducato Bi-Power, a new version of Fiat’s top selling commercial vehicle that offers users the choice of running either on petrol or on clean, green methane, at the Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show which, with more than 1200 exhibitors from 44 countries, is the world’s largest commercial vehicle show.
The Fiat Ducato Bi-Power is equipped with a four cylinder 2.0 engine with a power output of 81 kW when running on petrol and 71 kW when running on methane. Both fuel systems are independent but share a single ignition system, spark ignition system. The methane is stored in pressurised cylinders (200 bars of rated pressure at 15°C) and flows through a special pipe to a pressure adaptor/regulator that supplies the four low-pressure injectors (9 bars). These are fitted to the cylinder head and operated by a dedicated electronic control unit. If the methane runs out, the control unit automatically switches over to the petrol system. Otherwise, drivers can switch from one fuel system to the other at any time by pressing a button on the dashboard.
The Multipoint methane system is an original product of Fiat research into alternative fuel systems and offers considerable advantages. It adapts the sophisticated electronic control techniques used with petrol engines to the specifications of methane to ensure the new Fiat Ducato maintains its excellent handling with good torque and power levels, low fuel consumption and - above all - minimum exhaust emissions, all in absolute safety.
The position of the methane tanks is very important when it comes to making the most of the load compartment. Because they are located under the vehicle floor, the alternative drive system can even be used for people-carrying versions.
Cylinder capacity amounts to 160 litres overall. Because of this, a full tank of methane allows a range of 270 km over and above the range assured by the petrol (80 litres).
Because methane is a very environmentally-friendly fuel, the Ducato Bi-Power, due to make its appearance in Europe at the end of the year, is particularly well-suited to transport in city traffic.
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For further information:
Newton Head / Edward RoweManager – Commercial Fleet Sales / Public Relations Manager
Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd / Ateco Automotive
Ph: (02) 9558 7111 / Ph: (02) 9558 7111
Mob: 0419 722 888 / Mob: 0407 913 244
Fax: (02) 9558 7722 / Fax: (02) 9558 7722
E-mail: / E-mail:
EJR/ejr/001
10/11/2001