A new car brand – offering vehicles running on liquified petroleum gas only – has been launched in the UK. Verte Automotive is introduce a range of cars and pick-ups never seen before in Europe.

It will import the Tempest range which is built by Ford of Australia, where it is marketed under the Falcon name. Verte Automotive is a new joint venture company formed by Alan Lubinsky, AC Motor Company chairman, and James Smith, importer of sports cars in Australia.

Initially Verte plans to import two pick-ups, the Tempest XL and XLS. Both are LPG-only and come with air-con, power-assisted steering and airbags as standard. The XL will be available in five-speed manual only while the XLS will have a four-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Prices will be £15,950 plus VAT for the XL and £17,950 plus VAT for the XLS.

Following these will the XR6 SUV and XR8 SUV and finally the high-performance luxury Tempest T series.

Mr Lubinsky said: “For some time I have recognised there is a market in the UK for high performance, distinctive saloons. The Tempest XR matches that description to the letter and James and I have the necessary experience and contacts to make this venture a real success.

“Our first task is to appoint a nationwide network of dealers to handle the vehicles.”

Verte Automotive will operate alongside, but separately from, AC Motor Company.

Imports will start next year.