Dacia launches LPG Sandero and the new 1.2-litre engine

Dacia is set to launch, in the first half of this year, the new 1.2 litre engine variant in the range, which is petrol-powered and develops 75 horsepower, and is to add LPG power to Logan Sedan, MCV and Sandero models for Western countries. Dacia representatives did not specify the launch moment for the domestic market, which will happen some time by mid-2009. Countries where the low gas emissions are to consumers’ advantage, such as France, are at the top of the list. “We do not have a specific date for launch domestically, but the new engine will primarily equip the models exported to countries, which emphasize the extent of pollution using the ‘bonus/malus’ model,” stated Silviu Sepciu, head of Dacia communication department. Prices have not been disclosed and they are to be set for each market at the time of the launch. For the same first half, Dacia had previously announced the launch in Romania of the diesel engine Sandero model, available for the time being only in France. The company’s representatives stated the same strategy would be used for the commercial launch of the LPG-powered Sandero, with countries such as Italy or France, where consumption of this fuel is higher, to be targeted. In the case of Sandero 1.6 E85, the bio-ethanol-powered variant, this will be available only in countries with appropriate infrastructure, such as Sweden, France or the Czech Republic.