Worldwide Recommendations for Quality Fuels Proposed
4 June 1998
Worldwide Recommendations for Quality Fuels Proposed by Leading Automakers; Gas and Diesel Quality Key to Vehicle Driveability and Environmental ImpactBRUSSELS, Belgium, June 4 -- Fuels blended in accordance with a new "World-Wide Fuel Charter" proposed by the world's leading motor vehicle manufacturers would result in improved gasoline and diesel fuel quality to the benefit of consumers and the environment alike. The "World-Wide Fuel Charter" was developed in recognition of the impact gasoline and diesel fuel quality have on vehicle driveability, fuel efficiency, durability and environmental effects. During the last two years, representatives of U.S., European and Japanese automotive manufacturers have met to discuss the need for worldwide fuels harmonization. The objective of manufacturers' global fuel harmonization effort is, to the extent possible, to reduce exhaust and carbon dioxide emissions from motor vehicles while meeting consumers' transportation requirements. The fuel quality levels proposed in the Charter take into consideration customer requirements in a variety of markets and functional limitations of emission control technologies. In addition to U.S., European and Japanese auto manufacturers, the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association strongly supports the World-Wide Fuel Charter. As motor vehicle manufacturers increase efforts to market their cars and trucks globally, the need for consistent worldwide fuel quality has become increasingly apparent. At the same time, efforts to harmonize vehicle exhaust emissions standards highlight the need for harmonized fuel standards. Over 30 motor vehicle manufacturers support the Charter and say adoption of the recommendations will: * reduce the impact of motor vehicles on the environment immediately through reduced vehicle fleet emissions; * consistently satisfy customer performance expectations; and * minimize vehicle equipment complexities with optimized fuels for each emissions control category, which will reduce customer costs and facilitate the development of fuel efficient technologies. The "World-Wide Fuel Charter" was proposed during the Worldwide Fuels Conference here. Comments from stakeholders and interested parties will be solicited through September 3. AAMA is the trade association whose members are Chrysler Corporation , Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation . Visit AAMA's site on the World Wide Web at http://www.aama.com. JAMA is the trade association for major Japanese automobile manufacturers. Its members include Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., Hino Motors, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Isuzu Motors Limited, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Mazda Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. Visit JAMA's site on the World Wide Web at http://www.japanauto.com. ACEA is the professional body representing the interests and combined skills of fourteen European car, truck and bus manufacturers (BMW AG, DAF NV, Fiat Auto S.p.A., Ford of Europe Inc., General Motors Europe AG, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG, Daimler-Benz AG, Porsche AG, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault SA, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd., Scania AB, Volkswagen AG, Volvo AB) at the European level and throughout the world.