Sales of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles have exceeded expectations so far this year, Curtis Mohammed, president of National Gas Company (NGC), said on Wednesday. He said the company's target to the end of August was 265 vehicles but as much as 346 vehicles have been sold in that time.
"We note with satisfaction, the recent introduction of heavy duty CNG Freightliner trucks to the local market, the first of its kind exported from North America. Let me say, on the OEM (original equipment manufacture) vehicle side of the market, that we are pleased with the rapid developments taking place," he said in his address at the launch of two new 18-seater CNG maxi taxis at City Gate, Port-of-Spain.
Mohammed recalled that in 2014 NGC approached the Association of Maxi Taxis of T&T (AMTTT) and asked them to switch to CNG. Last year, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the company and AMTTT to facilitate the switch from the old diesel powered maxi taxis to CNG vehicles.
The first two maxi taxis were supplied through the AMTT's new commercial arm, Routes Auto Limited. Mohammed said this was made possible through a grant which is available to the first 1200 maxi taxi owners who apply before the expiration date of May 2018. CNG maxi taxis can also be puchased outside of the grant as there are at least two companies which will soon be selling OEM CNG maxi taxis.
AMTTT president Eon Hewitt described the launch as an historic event marking the beginning of the change from diesel to the alternative fuel, CNG.
"Previously, CNG as an alternative fuel failed and a left a negative perception with us," he said.
Hewitt said AMTTT members visited China last year to explore what types of CNG maxi taxis would be the best to buy. They eventually settled on the Jiangsu Joylong Automobile brand. The purchase was done by Routes Auto which is wholly owned by AMTTT. Hewitt said the company has as its main driving force improving the quality of products and services offered to members and enhancement of the competitiveness of the industry.