The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries says the results of testing to establish the suitability of ethanol-blended petrol in motor vehicles has confirmed the accuracy of the information on the FCAI’s website.
The testing program, commissioned by the Australian Government and conducted by engineering firm Orbital Australia, focused on older vehicles listed by the FCAI as unsuitable for use with ethanol fuel blends.
On the basis of the study the Government recommends consumers continue to check the FCAI list for information on ethanol use in their vehicles.
“The information on FCAI’s website has been compiled with the participation of its members, representing almost all the motor vehicle brands sold in Australia,” said the Chief Executive of the FCAI, Peter Sturrock.
Mr Sturrock noted that Orbital Australia’s testing established that it would be inappropriate to allow five per cent ethanol E5 fuel to be sold unlabelled.
“The FCAI is pleased that the program has confirmed the suitability of the present fuel labeling arrangements,” he said.
The FCAI says it is essential that drivers of older vehicles equipped with carburetors check the vehicles’ fuel compatibility before using ethanol blends.
Motorists driving older fuel-injected vehicles would also be well advised to check the information on the FCAI website.
The FCAI confirms that all new Australian-made cars are suitable for 10 per cent enthanol blended petrol (E10) and that the vast majority of imported new cars sold in Australia are also compatible with E10 or E5.
“We welcome the results of the Government-commissioned testing program, which should give motorists absolute confidence in the information on ethanol suitability being provided by motor vehicle manufacturers,” said Mr Sturrock.