In exclusive statements to GNV Magazine.com, Eng. Alfredo Cabrera of the company Control Gas from Ecuador emphasized the high potential of business related to natural gas vehicles (NGV) found in the South American country.

   Currently, Control Gas is the third center for the conversion of vehicles to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and the first one for NGV in Ecuador. The company also provides technical advice to the Ecuadorian government regarding the gaseous fuel development plan.

   Cabrera, an Argentine technician with experience also in Mexico and Brazil, said that in February of 2008 Ecuador began with a pilot plan to install 8.500 LPG taxis in the city of Guayaquil, where to date some 2.000 taxis are circulating formally installed and 5.000 installed in rudimentary workshops unauthorized. While there are three refueling stations in the capital city and are designed to open seven more early next year.

   But he said that the government of President Rafael Correa is making great strides towards the NGV, for which already found natural gas reserves estimated at trillions and there's a whole development plan for all the country which will come to effect from March 2010.

   Another commentary by the owner of Control Gas is the recent formation of the Ecuadorian Association of Alternative Fuels (AECAL) devised with the intention of bringing together the four workshops allowed, refueling stations, equipment dealers and other stakeholders related to NGV in Ecuador. The institution also gives greater representation to the sector before the different government agencies on applications, requests or suggestions regarding the development of gas vehicles in the country. Another objective is to combat the existence of informal workshops and vendors of equipment, which are beyond current technical regulations.

   Regarding the challenges and projects of Control Gas, Cabrera expressed his desire to contribute to the strengthening of NGV as an alternative fuel considering its ecological and economic benefits. Additionally, his company is in talks with U.S. Omnitek Engineering to convert diesel vehicles to natural gas, and other businesses interested in marketing any item which involves the NGV in Ecuador.

   The executive expressed that the first seed is placed on natural gas for automotive use in Ecuador, and hopes to be a success and will allow Ecuadorians make up the list of countries present in the map of NGV.