Energy Ministry joins hands with vehicle dealers to promote the use of gasohol

Energy Ministry joins hands with vehicle dealers to lure people to switch to gasohol usuage.

During 28th Bangkok International Motor Show, Minister of Energy Piyasawasdi Amranand (ปิยสวัสดิ์ อัมระนันทน์) and executives of vehicle dealers, including Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Ford, Mazda, Benze, Volvo, and Honda, jointly stimulate gasohol consumption. The gasohol price is set at 2.50 baht per liter lower than benzene.

Mr. Piyasawasdi says vehicle manufacturers are a part to help campaign the project under the support of the government.

As for the cancellation of benzene 95, Mr. Piyasawasdi says the government should think of vehicles that cannot use gasohol as its fuel as well.

The Vice President of Toyota Motor Thailand, Mr. Ninnart Chaitheerapinyo (นินนาท ไชยธีรภิญโญ) says he agrees with the government’s project campaigning to use gasohol and bio-diesel. At the same time, he insists the safety in using gasohol with Toyota cars.

In addition, Mr. Piyasawasdi says the government will develop quality of bio-diesel and the bio-diesel consumption will reduce the amount of money that Thailand has to pay for buying benzene. He says bio-diesel will help farmers to maintain their agricultural products.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 March 2007

Toyota opposes compulsory use of biodiesel

Toyota Motor Thailand has voiced concerns over the Energy Ministry's plan to launch a compulsory measure to promote biodiesel, saying that the state should wait until raw material supplies are stable and biodiesel standards have improved.

Ninnart Chaithirapinyo, vice chairman of Toyota's Thai business unit, said Thursday that the ministry should now focus on promoting the production of biodiesel at community level as well as campaigning for higher consumption.

"The government should not compel refiners to mix B100formula biodiesel in diesel, not until it is ready in terms of raw materials and the standards of biodiesel are improved," he said on the sidelines of the opening of the 28th Bangkok International Motor Show.

Source: The Nation - 30 March 2007