Car makers warn against biofuels

Car makers are warning that an environmentally friendly “biofuel” launched by Prime Minister Helen Clark could seriously damage up to a million Japanese imported vehicles. It was greeted by an immediate warning from the Motor Industry Association that up to a million used cars imported from Japan should not use it. Toyota said any of its used imports registered before 2005 were not suited to the fuel. Its New Zealand after-sales general manager, Paul Carroll, said deteriorating fuel lines could cause leaks into car engines, possibly causing fires. Mazda’s technical services manager, John van der Velden, said new cars sold in New Zealand from 2005 would be safe, but the company advised caution for others. In response, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority said it will look at running independent tests to allay consumer fears. However, it said it is confident that most vehicles can run safely on a 10% ethanol-petrol blend launched recently in Auckland by Gull Petroleum. (August 2, 2007)