February 24, 2004

By: Bill White
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com

Vehicle Manufacturers Call For Sulfur-Free Fuels

Motor vehicle manufacturers from around the globe are calling for sulfurfree fuels in the revised World-Wide Fuel Charter that was released today. This call for sulfur-free gasoline and diesel fuel (max. 5-10 parts per million [ppm]) is a response to emerging requirements for more stringent vehicle emission controls and reduced fuel consumption.

Regulatory changes and new technology demands placed on automakers in Asia, Europe and North America will require substantially cleaner fuels than those which are currently widely available.

Some countries are moving toward the goal of sulfur-free fuels:

• Japan has had sulfur-free premium gasoline for many years;

• Sweden has had sulfur-free diesel fuel for more than a decade;

• Germany will introduce tax incentives for sulfur-free fuels (max. 10 ppm) by 2003 and the first sulfur-free fuels are already in the market.

• Other European countries are considering similar action.

• In the United States, one-third of the gasoline pool in California is below 10 ppm sulfur, and officials are considering regulatory action to obtain ultra-low sulfur levels statewide.

• U.S. federal officials are expected to reduce sulfur in diesel fuel to ultra-low levels by 2006. In addition to the four trade associations shown above, the Charter is supported by OICA (Organisation Internationale des Constructerus d'Automobiles) whose members include forty national professional associations from around the world, including Alliance, JAMA and Chinese, Korean and South Africa associations.

As motor vehicle manufacturers continue to improve technology in the areas of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles, the need for consistently high fuel quality continues to grow in importance. Ongoing efforts to tighten and harmonize vehicle exhaust emission standards globally highlight the need for cleaner and harmonized fuel standards.

The Charter’s goals are to reduce the impact of motor vehicles on the environment through reduced vehicle fleet emissions; consistently satisfy customer performance expectations; and minimize vehicle equipment complexities by optimizing fuels for each emissions control category. Vehicle manufacturers will continue to review and revise the Charter as future regulatory requirements and technological improvements dictate.

About The Author:

Bill White is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.  Great car accessories and parts plus financing, insurance and leasing tips.