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Lpg Autogas Conversion Equipment Market Should Be Driven By Quality Not Just Price

By Billy Sohal, co-owner, Prins Autogas UK

In April 2009, Prins Autogas UK was appointed as the sole UK supplier of Prins VSI lpg autogas conversion systems. Prins Autogas UK is a joint venture between David King and Hilton Autogas Centre.

David is highly respected within the industry and has extensive history with Prins. Hilton was established in 1999 and remains one of the UK’s most experienced lpg autogas conversion centres, having worked solely and very successfully with Prins VSI systems since 2005.

Our network plans are focused entirely on quality and we have introduced a dedicated national software system that includes a vehicle database, installation guides, a quality assurance programme and specific vehicle management features for our lpg autogas installers. This enables our network to offer premium standard conversions and support for all our fleet customers.

We provide all the essential key services to our network of lpg autogas installers, including technical support from our staff, who have vast experience of lpg autogas conversions, and a comprehensive training programme that covers all aspects of operating an lpg autogas installation centre.

Our technical workshops are based in the West Midlands, and it is very easy for lpg autogas installers to bring any vehicle to us if they are unable to resolve a problem. This level of system support is vastly appreciated by our network and is critical for customer confidence in the industry as a whole.

Our quality driven network plans have also attracted interest from parties currently outside the industry. They view lpg autogas conversions as an interesting business proposition, but have not joined due to the perceived low quality standards within the industry. We are also currently working with Calor Gas and Autogas Limited, both members of UKLPG’s lpg autogas development committee, to develop the UK market.

Continual training and development is key to maintaining an effective and quality focused network, especially as vehicle manufacturers introduce more complex vehicle technology and control systems. Our training programme is carried out in a ‘live’ and dedicated lpg autogas workshop that provides candidates and existing installers with valuable experience on up to date lpg autogas installation techniques and a detailed understanding of programming to ensure all lpg autogas conversions are completed right first time.

Our view is that the UK lpg autogas equipment market is now, more than ever, price and not quality driven. Suppliers are desperately reducing prices to retain business, but this adds further pressure on installers, who have to fit the cheapest equipment in order to win the few lpg autogas conversions available, as demand is not high. The market, as a result, is very competitive – however, most installers would always prefer to install and maintain the most reliable lpg autogas system.

Whilst lpg autogas conversion prices always need to be competitive, installation standards should never be compromised. The problem of low quality lpg autogas conversions already exists, and could become much worse as the market becomes more competitive and is not effectively regulated.

Prins VSI will never be the cheapest product due to the high quality components used in the system. The product will remain the best value system available, as we exclusively use Keihin injectors, renowned worldwide for quality, performance and reliability. The new Valvecare system has recently successfully completed significant engine dyno durability testing for a manufacturer, and will become the market leader when converting vehicles that are listed as having potential valve seat recession.

We have also recently launched our new website, which promotes our lpg autogas installers directly and includes customer testimonials and finance options. We can now offer total vehicle/system development for any requirement, as we have our own emissions testing facilities.

Prins Autogas UK operates from two locations – our West Midlands office deals with technical support, training and equipment distribution, and our Southampton office deals with vehicle development, fleet enquiries and administration. We have a wide portfolio of vehicles, motorhomes and boats that have been converted using Prins VSI, and details can be found on our website.

Contact Prins Autogas UK on 01902 861118 www.prinsautogasuk.co.uk

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