SEAT takes the crown among natural gas vehicles thanks to its sales

Manufacturers are constantly seeking an alternative fuel to petrol, either because of its price or because of the emissions produced by vehicles that run on that fuel. It is true that electric and hybrid cars are at their peak, but some brands such as SEAT are betting very heavily on natural gas and, without a doubt, their strategy is working. The Spanish firm demonstrates this with the large number of sales of its TGI vehicles.

The main novelty of SEAT’s models is that they incorporate a hybrid system that allows the driver to choose between compressed natural gas or petrol as fuel. This offer is presented as an alternative that is considerably better than LPG, diesel or even plug-in hybrid vehicles. This is because TGI vehicles have two ranges and, at the same time, the price of compressed gas is considerably lower than that of petrol.

With these premises, SEAT has achieved a high volume of sales in the first two months of 2018, with a total of 557 units registered with the TGI badge. These figures mean that sales have multiplied tenfold compared with the previous year, a clear indication of the good acceptance and success that the brand’s compressed natural gas models are enjoying.

Without a doubt, this type of hybrid vehicle is a clear option for tackling urban environments with minimal consumption, but they are also capable of handling the open road thanks to the petrol tank. That is why SEAT has considerably expanded the range of vehicles that can carry the TGI badge. Initially, the Spanish firm only launched the SEAT Mii with 68 CV and the León 1.0 TGI with 110 CV; however, this engine has recently been added to the new 90 CV Ibiza.

SEAT has stated that it plans to incorporate this type of engine into its SUV models too, specifically in the Arona, but until this happens, the León will remain the undisputed king both in the compressed natural gas vehicle segment and among its siblings. Indeed, the Spanish compact accounts for more than 10% of total TGI sales so far this year with 285 units registered and, at the same time, it has recorded a total of 2,830 vehicles sold since its launch with this type of fuel.

Without a doubt, SEAT has known how to shape this combination of petrol and natural gas bringing it to its full splendour. Little by little this will be extended to more models of the brand and will be presented as a very worthwhile option compared with purely electric vehicles.