IMVDA’s irresponsible response

Thursday 2 August 2007

IMVDA’s irresponsible response to E10 places consumers at risk

The Independent Motor Vehicle Dealers Association’s assertion that E10 ethanol blended fuel is suitable for used imported vehicles is likely to place their customers at risk, according to the Motor Industry Association.

“The IMVDA has reacted in typically cavalier fashion to this in their haste to jump on the bandwagon,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association. “Members of this organisation are in the business of importing used cars from Japan, a country which has never used ethanol in its fuel, and where the cars use different fuel system componentry to that specified for export models. The maximum ethanol blend certified by Japan’s vehicle producers for Japan’s domestic models is 3%.”

“Who is the IMVDA going to come running to for help when their customers have problems as a result of using E10 in vehicles not designed for it?” asked Mr. Kerr. “To admit that ‘some maintenance items such as fuel filters and lines may need replacement’ says it all really. The IMVDA clearly has no idea of what potential trouble lies ahead and which vehicle models will be affected.”

“The analogy of Brazil’s experience proves just how little the IMVDA knows about international vehicle markets,” Mr. Kerr said. “Brazil in fact uses E85, and the vehicle manufacturers in that country made extensive changes to the specification of the vehicles to make them ethanol compliant. Brazil has never imported used vehicles designed for use in Japan and in fact couldn’t even if they wanted to, because they drive on the opposite side of the road.”

ENDS

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