Orbital extends its reach

Advanced LPG fuel delivery systems to be made available far and wide following WA company's acquisition of Sprint Gas

Orbital Corporation Limited now owns a majority share in Sprint Gas, an LPG fuel system distribution network operating throughout Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

The acquisition opens the way for Orbital to expand its retail business throughout the three states in which Sprint Gas operates. While Orbital is, for many, a name synonymous with Ralph Sarich's rotary engine development, in recent times the company has become known as the developer and supplier of LPG systems to HSV and Ford Australia.

Sprint Gas dominates the LPG market in Melbourne, the country's largest, and sells LPG systems and components from Italy and Thailand. Following Orbital's acquisition of a 55 per cent share in the company, Sprint Gas will also retail Orbital's Liquid Phase injection (LPi) system to customers.

"This is another step in our plan to grow Orbital's alternative fuels business," said Terry Stinson, the company's CEO.

"The introduction of more stringent emissions standards will move the LPG industry to electronic injection systems and advanced engine management, and in this space we believe Orbital has a unique selling proposition."

Stinson describes the working relationship between the two companies as an "ideal fit", on the basis that it provides Orbital with greater access to the retail market and broadens the product range available for Sprint Gas to sell.

"Orbital has recently focused on the development of LPi LPG engine kits for the aftermarket - and this capability will benefit the Sprint Gas brand over time," said Stinson. The owner of Sprint Gas, Mirella Boemo, agrees.

"We are confident that, together, Sprint Gas and Orbital will offer our combined customers a great range of products and the best service possible," she said.

The LPi technology, which will shortly find its way into the Ford Falcon, provides power and torque numbers approaching those of conventional petrol engines — but with lower tailpipe emissions — and offsets the purchase price with lower running costs.

"The technical superiority of LPi, combined with Orbital's internationally renowned in-house engineering expertise, means our systems are fully developed and thoroughly tested for performance and driveability," Stinson said.

Pictured, from left to right: Sprint Gas owner Mirella Boemo and Orbital Corporation CEO Terry Stinson

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