[Photo by Yoo Dae-gil = dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]
In an effort to reduce air pollution, South Korea's parliament approved a government bill to ease regulations on the use of liquefied petroleum gas for five-seat recreational vehicles.
Currently, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used only for taxis, car rental businesses, disabled, and individuals of national merit. Ordinary consumers can only buy recreational vehicles (RVs) with seven or more seats and compact cars.
In North America, a recreational vehicle is a usual term for vehicles or trailers equipped with living space and amenities found in a home. In South Korea, it designates different types of vehicles such as Kia Motors' Carnival and Carens with seven to nine seats.
LPG is eco-friendly, but the number of LPG vehicles has dropped to 2.18 million at the end of last year because they are less fuel-efficient than gasoline and diesel. Compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs) using gasoline or diesel are now popular among South Korean consumers, led by SsangYong Motor's Tivoli.
However, public concerns are growing about particulate pollution or fine dust, and experts point to power plants and vehicles using fossil fuel. Seoul has tightened restrictions on old diesel-fueled vehicles.
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