Congrats to Skoda, 5 Million in total and One million for the current gen Octavia, and sales keep growing.

• Success rooted in tradition: 5 million ŠKODA Octavia models produced since 1996; one million third-generation ŠKODA Octavias manufactured in total
• ‘Heart of the brand’ has received more than 50 international awards
• International success: a total of 432,300 Octavias delivered to customers around the world in 2015

ŠKODA has produced the one millionth third-generation Octavia. The milestone vehicle ran off assembly line at ŠKODA’s main factory in Mladá Boleslav. Since the model was introduced in 1996, the Czech carmaker has produced five million Octavias in total.

This is the most successful ŠKODA model ever and is considered the ‘heart of the brand’ – the ŠKODA Octavia. Now the jubilee vehicle, an Octavia Scout in moon-white, has rolled off the assembly line at the main factory in Mladá Boleslav.

Manufacturing one million third-generation ŠKODA Octavias underscores the success of the vehicle on the international markets. The Octavia sets standards in its class and is the largest, safest, most practical and comfortable Octavia ever. 

More than any other ŠKODA model, the Octavia symbolises the brand’s rapid rise over the past two decades. Five million ŠKODA Octavias have been manufactured in total since 1996.

The third-generation ŠKODA Octavia is more diverse than ever. The Octavia hatch and estate are available with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The ŠKODA Octavia RS is the fastest series-produced Octavia of all time. 

The ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC with natural gas drive and the ŠKODA Octavia Scout, a robust all-rounder with impressive off-road qualities, debuted in 2014. In addition, the exclusive ŠKODA Octavia L&K is available in Europe.

With a wide range of model versions and outstanding product features, it is not only in the markets that the Octavia has been a hit; the professional audience have also praised ŠKODA’s bestseller. In recent years, the vehicle has received more than 50 international awards. The model has also won out in numerous comparison tests.

The third generation of the Octavia was launched on the market in 2013. Most Octavia models are produced at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. 

In addition to production in the Czech Republic, the ŠKODA Octavia runs off the assembly lines in China, Russia, India and Kazakhstan. As ŠKODA’s largest individual market, China plays a crucial role for both the brand and the model. 

The ŠKODA Octavia was launched in China in May 2014. Since then, the compact-class vehicle has been produced at SAIC Volkswagen’s factory in Ningbo.

In 2015 alone, 432,300 vehicles from the Octavia model series were sold around the world, which is around 11% more Octavia models than the previous year. ŠKODA delivered 70,500 Octavias to customers in the first two months of this year.

SPAIN - Audi launches the new A4 Avant with an alternative Bi-Fuel Engine system, making this car more efficient.

• Alternative propulsion system for the new Audi A4 Avant
• Bi-fuel engine 2.0 TFSI equipped with an innovative combustion process
• The Audi e-gas provides free mobility of CO2 emissions

Sporty, versatile and with low emissions of CO ₂ . With marketing scheduled for late 2016, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron Audi is another proposal for the sustainable mobility of the future.Following the trail initiated by the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, it is the second model of the brand that can use natural gas and Audi e-gas production sustainable.

The A4 Avant g-tron is simultaneously sporty, efficient and extremely economical. The engine is based on the new 2.0 TFSI developed by Audi, which offers an advanced and highly efficient combustion process.Turbocharged power unit produces 170 hp (125 kW). 

Its maximum torque of 270 Nm is available at around 1650 rpm. The pistons and valves have been specially modified to run on gas and allow optimum compression ratio. An electronic controller reduces the high pressure of 200 bar gas from the reservoir until a pressure of 5 to 10 bars in the motor. 

This control system pressure is done dynamically and precisely in response to the requirements that the driver requires the engine. The correct pressure is thus always present in the gas pipes and valves injection: low pressure for efficient driving at low speed ranges, and higher for more power and torque pressures.

According to the NEDC measurements, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron consumes less than four kilograms of CNG (compressed natural gas) per 100 kilometers, which results in fuel costs for the client less than four euros (prices in October 2015 ). Emissions of CO ₂  are less than 100 grams per kilometer. 

The fuel tank capacity is 19 kilograms of gas, enough to have a range greater than 500 kilometers. When the content of gas in the reservoir falls below 0.6 kilos -number analogous to a residual pressure of 10 bar-control unit switches to gasoline mode operation. 

The A4 Avant g-tron can then cover an additional distance of 450 kilometers in this mode. The total potential range is comparable to that of a car equipped with an engine TDI.

Mouths filling gas tanks and gas are located next to each other in the same location under the same cover.

After refueling and whenever the temperature is not too cold, the engine begins its start in petrol mode, then changing as fast as possible, to run on natural gas. Two indicators in the scorecard keep the driver abreast of fill levels of both deposits. The driver information system shows fuel consumption in active mode.

Audi four cylindrical tanks installed CNG as a single compact module in the rear of the A4. Each has been specifically sized and adapted to the available space. 

They are protected by a coating of steel sheet and a tensioning straps hold the cylinders and protect them against damage. The full CNG tank module, which includes the fuel tank 25 liters, the body is set during production of A4. 

The usual spare wheel has been removed, the battery and its location varies from the luggage compartment to the engine compartment. The trunk floor even has its edge in the cargo area, which can offer a fully functional space for luggage.

CNG tanks, with an operating pressure of 200 bar at 15 ° C, follow the principle of lightweight construction of Audi. 

Thanks to its innovative design, its weight is 56 percent lower than comparable steel deposits. Its inner layer is a polyamide matrix gastight. The second layer, a compound consisting of polymers reinforced with carbon fiber (CFRP) and polymers reinforced with fiberglass (GFPR), provides maximum strength. 

The third layer is made of GFPR and serves mainly aid for initial visual inspection if necessary, to turn a milky white in case of damage. Before being installed in the car, every tank is tested at 300 bar during the production phase, so that the maximum pressure that support is even higher and far exceeds legal requirements.

Audi e-gas produced in Germany, the A4 Avant g-tron is a vehicle that runs free of CO ₂ . 

The e-synthetic methane gas is obtained from water and CO ₂  with the help of sustainable electricity in plants "power-to-gas". Audi launched the world's first plant of this type for the production of Audi e-gas on an industrial scale in Werlte, but now e-gas produced at other facilities. 

With the "power-to-gas" technology, the brand with the four rings makes it possible to store excess renewable energy, a valuable contribution to the energy transition.

The company and its partners are strongly promoting the development of various known synthetic fuels such as Audi e-fuels, including through new biological production processes.

In Germany, the driver can refueling card using the Audi e-gas refueling as in the case of the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, which serves as a means of payment and at the same time as a tool to balance emissions.

From the information transferred during payment, Audi supplies the German natural gas network with the amount equivalent to the gas load refueled by the customer. Thus, Audi achieved a completely neutral emission mobility CO ₂

Translated by Google - Apologies for any errors that may have been caused.

Four ŠKODA Citigo G-TECs to start in Monte-Carlo Alternative Energy Rally

• › Bivalent city runabouts with fuel consumption of only 2.9 kg CNG/100km step up to the competition in alternative drive concepts
• › Energy efficiency, uniformity and manoeuvrability will be rated 
• › Seven-times German rally champion Matthias Kahle is looking forward to the challenging route through the Maritime Alps 
• › Rally to the South of France plus loop over original stages to give that classic "Monte" feeling.

ŠKODA will be starting at the ‘Rallye de Monte-Carlo des Énergies Nouvelles’ from 20 to 23 March with four natural gas-powered Citigo 1.0 G-TECs. The event is the most prestigious competition for vehicles with alternative drive. The most important criterion is the energy efficiency rating on the 1,000+ kilometre route.

​One of the 50 kW (68 hp) ŠKODA Citigo 1.0 G-TEC is to be driven by the seven-time German Rally Champion Matthias Kahle, accompanied by his long-time co-pilot Peter Göbel. Kahle and Göbel are not only specialists in off-road and high-speed, they have also taken numerous victories in regularity events. Being about maximum efficiency, the race is a new challenge for ŠKODA driver Matthias Kahle: “With a predetermined travel time and speed through the French Maritime Alps, accelerating and using as little gas as possible requires extreme sensitivity and concentration.” 

Thus, the rally veteran alludes to the special regulations of the Monte-Carlo Rally for alternative drives. It is not pure speed that counts here, but rather a ‘triathlon’ of qualities essential to everyday motoring. The most important criterion is the energy efficiency rating - the consumption of the different drive concepts and fuel types are converted into a common classification according to a points system. Multiple regularity trials are included in the championship, taking place on some of the classic test routes the Rally Monte-Carlo. The third rating point is the manoeuvrability of the vehicles that will be tested in the principality’s yacht harbour. All tests are run on closed routes not public roads. 

The ŠKODA Citigo G-TEC has many qualities that are in demand in the "alternative Monte": With a combined fuel consumption of just 2.9 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometres, it is rated in the EU's energy efficiency class as A+. Thanks to the low CO2 emissions of a combined 79g/km, it has been entered in the 2013/2014 environmental car list of the Traffic Club Germany (VCD). No other model on this list is more economical or climate-friendly.

At the same time, the bivalent Citigo G-TEC, driven by natural gas and petrol, gives a very agile performance: with its 50 kW (68 PS) engine, the car sprints from 0-100km/h in  16.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 164 km/h. With a turning circle of 9.8 meters and compact 3.56 metre overall length, the vehicle is ideal for city driving and winding country roads. Electronic stability control and ASR traction control are fitted as standard.

The ‘Rallye de Monte-Carlo des Énergies Nouvelles’ is considered one of the most challenging races for alternative fuel vehicles. Electric, hybrid and internal combustion engines and types of energy such as natural gas, LPG, biodiesel, solar power, hydrogen and others will be competing against each other in various rating classes. Only vehicles that produce very little or no CO2 are allowed to participate.

In keeping with the classic Monte Carlo Rally, the "alternative Monte" also starts with a rally, in which all four ŠKODA Citigo G-TECs will be competing in Clermont-Ferrand, France. They will have driven around 550km by the time they reach the stage finish in Aix-en-Provence. From there, the teams will drive about 365 miles to Monaco. Around the Principality, they will be driving a 190kilometer loop, mostly on special stages of the Monte Carlo Rally. In total, the ‘Rallye de Monte-Carlo des Énergies Nouvelles’ is 1105 km long. The victory ceremony will take place on 23 March held in 2014 at the Port of Monaco.

USA - For to offer even more CNG vehicles with the addition of the F-150

• 2014 Ford F-150 launches with gaseous-fuel prep option on the 3.7-liter V6 engine; it will be able to run on compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas
• By next summer, Ford will offer eight vehicles that can run on clean-burning, inexpensive CNG/LPG and puts the company on track to sell more than 15,000 such vehicles this year
• Nearly 20 states now offer or soon will offer tax incentives or rebates for CNG-converted vehicles
• Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of CNG options to help customers find the most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs

Ford, America’s truck leader, began production of the 2014 F-150 with the ability to run on compressed natural gas, making Ford the only manufacturer with an available CNG/LPG-capable half-ton pickup.

The 2014 Ford F-150 with 3.7-liter V6 engine is available with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, and pistons and rings so it can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems.

When equipped with a bi-fuel CNG/LPG engine package, the 3.7-liter V6 F-150 is capable of achieving more than 750 miles on combined tanks of gasoline and CNG, depending on the tank sizes selected. The Ford F-150 with 3.7-liter V6 has an EPA-estimated rating of 23 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined.

“Businesses and fleet customers have been asking Ford to make F-150 available with CNG capability to take advantage of the fuel’s low price and clean emissions,” said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sustainability and technology manager.

CNG/LPG engine prep from the factory costs $315 before the customer chooses a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. Upfits run approximately $6,000 to $9,500 depending on fuel tank capacity.

CNG conversions can provide stability against fluctuating fuel prices as well as lower vehicle operating costs for fleet administrators. CNG sells for an average of $2.10 per gallon of gasoline equivalent, and is as low as $1 in some parts of the country, representing a significant savings over unleaded regular fuel. The national average for unleaded regular fuel is $3.29 per gallon.

Customers also can accelerate the payback period by taking advantage of a growing number of state incentives. Nearly 20 states – including Oklahoma, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida – offer or soon will provide tax incentives or rebates for CNG-converted vehicles. In Florida, fleet customers will be eligible for rebates of up to $25,000 beginning in 2014.

Most CNG options
By next summer, Ford will offer eight commercial vehicles with a gaseous-prep option, a number no other full-line manufacturer can match:

• Transit Connect van and wagon
• Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab
• E-Series van, wagon, cutaway and stripped chassis
• F-Series Super Duty pickup and F-350 chassis cab
• F-Series Super Duty chassis cab (F-450, F-550)
• F-650 medium-duty truck
• F53 and F59 stripped chassis
• 2014 F-150 light-duty pickup

Customers are enthusiastically responding to this powerful array of choices. Since reintroducing the option in 2009, Ford has established itself as the leader in CNG/LPG engine sales. The company is on pace to sell more than 15,000 CNG/LPG-prepped vehicles this year, an increase of more than 25 percent from 2012.

AT&T is one of many Ford fleet customers that are finding value in CNG. The communications giant recently purchased 650 F-350 chassis cabs with the CNG-prep option.

“We’re almost halfway to our company-wide goal of deploying 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles by the end of 2018,” said Jerome Webber, AT&T vice president, global fleet operations. “Vehicles such as CNG F-350s from Ford have helped us avoid purchasing 7.7 million gallons of gasoline over the past five years while reducing our fleet’s emissions.”

Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers
Ford has established a rigorous qualification program for alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers. The QVM program is intended to help modifiers achieve greater levels of customer satisfaction and product acceptance through the manufacture of high-quality vehicles.

Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers offer a wide variety of CNG/LPG options to help customers find the most cost-effective solution to their diverse operating needs. Ford maintains the engine and powertrain limited warranty (five years or 60,000 miles); the modifier is responsible for the system component warranty.

Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is mainly composed of methane. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of approximately 3,600 psi. About 85 percent of the CNG used in the United States is produced domestically.

Another benefit of this alternative fuel includes cleaner emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certifies CNG usage can result in up to 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions.