British drivers who have been waiting up to three years for Aixam to introduce a petrol version of its 500 range of lightweight vehicles need wait no more. The company will be shipping the first petrol models to its dealerships in August.

There is a proportion of the British driving public that is resistant to the idea of a diesel engine, and the petrol models have been introduced in response to their wishes.

Lawrence Holland, general manager of Aixam Ltd, said: "Aixam has built its reputation with diesel vehicles, here and in Europe, but many drivers in this country say they prefer the quieter, smoother ride that petrol engines offer, and the petrol versions of the Aixam 500 answer these needs."

Like their diesel counterparts, Aixam's petrol vehicles appeal to a number of different types of driver.

Key amongst these are those motorcyclists who have a motorcycle and B1 licence but are not qualified to drive a car. In addition, Aixam vehicles appeal to drivers looking for a compact, maneuverable vehicle for town use, where its automatic gearbox and its ability to squeeze into tiny parking spaces are seen as important advantages.

Only 9ft 5inches long and extremely light in weight, all models in the Aixam 500 range are extremely easy to handle and to park. Despite the fact that they have four seats and a modest-sized boot, it is possible - in some locations - to park them `end-on' in very small spaces, without protruding into the path of the traffic.

Gear changes are reduced to the bare minimum, thanks to a fully automatic variable transmission which makes it easy to handle in busy town traffic.

The body itself is ABS acrylic on an aluminium chassis so it is dent and rust resistant. All this has been achieved without compromising on safety - the vehicles have passed a series of extremely stringent safety tests.

Lawrence Holland said: "Aixam offers a different kind of product that appeals to several different types of driver. The introduction of petrol models means that they now have a wider choice."

The Aixam petrol models will retail from around £6,700 on the road.

Aixam will be showing both petrol and diesel models, as well as several completely new products, at the 2002 Birmingham International Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

For more information on the new models, or to locate your nearest dealer, please phone Aixam Ltd on 01788 553330 or email at aixamlimited@aol.com