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AAMA Announces World-Wide Fuel Charter

23 December 1998

AAMA Announces World-Wide Fuel Charter

    WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Fuel blended in accordance with a new
"World-Wide Fuel Charter" established by the world's leading motor vehicle
manufacturers will 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.
    Over the last two years, representatives from American, European, and
Japanese automotive manufacturers have developed fuel specifications which are
recommended for application world-wide. Consistent fuel quality worldwide is
necessary to market high-quality automotive products matching world-wide
customer performance expectations and environmental needs.
    All major motor vehicle manufacturers including those from Canada, Korea,
China, and South Africa, support the Charter and agree that 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
      emission control category, which will reduce customer costs and
      facilitate the development of fuel efficient technologies.

    AAMA is the trade association whose members are DaimlerChrysler
Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation.