The International Conference and Exhibition, which took place between the 17th and the 19th of June in Madrid, under the theme “Towards a clean and sustainable mobility”, enable to know more about the current state of the methane and biogas industry. Below are the thoughts expressed by the representatives of the sector about the GNV 2009 Madrid event.

Enrique García-Poggio, NGV director - Grupo Gas Natural

The automotive industry has been seriously damaged in the last 9 months of recession. So far in 2009 –in the case of some companies- Heavy-Duty vehicles sales have been reduced by 60% compared to the previous year. It is obvious that in such a deep recession, people will tend to be careful about expenses.

However, the rising oil price -now between U$S 70 and 75 per barrel- is a very good sign that shows that confidence is returning. So we have good expectations that business will start to pick up again and it looks reasonable to expect things will come to normality by the end of the year. It also should be recognized that the financial crisis of the last 9 months is the worst recession experienced in Europe since the ‘30s.

We thank all of those component and technology providers who have supported this exhibition by their presence. We are sure that business will improve.

Mark Lawday, global marketing manager for Alternative Fuels - Luxfer

It was very important to become involved in the industry’s only event of the year carried out in the Old Continent. We found the show has come a long way when compared to the previous table top shows of the European Association. Furthermore, although only some Spanish bus operators were present, with whom we would like to strengthen ties, we received several interesting consultations.

Franco Zanarini, CEO - Safe CNG Technology

It was worthy to come here. We have expanded our product range with the incorporation of Cirrus Compresseurs and, as a result, our market share will be increased. First of all, I am optimistic because in a crisis context it is when you come to learn if a company is capable to survive, and Spain showed me that
ours will do it.

Mariano Costamagna, CEO - MTM-BRC

I don’t know whether or not Madrid was the best choice for the event, considering the country and the market.
An event should be useful to promote products. Therefore, in a context of crisis, it is better to have a few shows and well done. Undoubtedly, we live difficult moments, especially for the aftermarket segment.

Juan José Fornaso, sales manager - Galileo

We are selling our products in Spain well. Besides, we have a branch office which has been operating actively in this market. This progress is supported by a strong presence in the exhibition and we are satisfied with the event and its organization.

Giuseppe Miletto, Sales Engineer - Metatron

We have made high-level contacts and being in such a crisis –and not having a large number of visitors-, we were able to give a very good service and attention to those who were interested in our products and came to our booth. I also believe that the key personalities of the market were present. On average, it was really positive.

José Aspromonte, president - Aspro

These shows are always interesting in order to measure the evolution of industry and ideas from the sector.
A leader company must be present. The target of our new equipment –a complete CNG refueling station- is to get a wider and more modern demand and it attracted the attention of visitors from Europe and Asia. The
attendance reflected the nature of a market that is taking off but is not an exception in this general economic crisis.

Attilio Aldini, sales manager, Emer Group-Valtek

My expectations were growing with the time being. We knew the limitations, but we are interested in a new country for CNG and take advantage of its opportunities. While today the main alternatives are given for the system load infraestructure’s segment, ours will took profit of this work in the near future.

Carlo Evi, director - Tomasetto Achille

It is necessary to re-install credit options to make more businesses. Those alternatives must be useful to get financing to acquire the inputs capable of reviving the supply. The show was an opportunity to present our products and install the brand image of TA in the world.

Gabriele Gozzi, director - Idromeccanica

I'm happy. We got several good contacts that make wider our horizon of sales. Being in Spain was an investment that will bring benefits and it was right to have been present here. We must emphasize the quality of the audience rather than its quantity.

Carl Wagner, representative - TÜV Saarland

It was good to be here. Our booth allowed us to be seen and the balance is positive. Despite this, we believe it is necessary to shorten the hours and make a more compact schedule for both the exhibition and the conference.

Rojer Jorai, NGV regional sales manager - Greenfield

The event signed a new beginning for the NGVA Europe, which had several seminars of high quality. As for our company, we receive many queries, although we expected some more. The event was very well organized.

Javier González Rodríguez, area manager - Idiada

If I were to rate the quality of visitors, I will do it with 7 points out of 10. If the rating was for the number of visitors of the expo, I would give 8 points. The event exceeded our expectations. We will also be present in Lima, Peru, in September.

Jordi Diez Lambrich, commercial director - Stäubli

We make stronger relationships with many contacts in Spain and consolidated the brand in this market. We had to be present and the effort will worth it. On the other way, I consider that schedules should be reviewed because the day of work was somewhat long. In general, I feel satisfied with everything what has been done.

Claude Hembert, president and CEO - Ullit

We came here more than anything for the Latin American market, rather than for the Spanish one. We received
the expected visits and also others from Middle East. However, we would have liked to receive more European
customers and OEM’s.