Vic: Take up of alternative fuels at the bowser slow: survey

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2008
Vic: Take up of alternative fuels at the bowser slow: survey

MELBOURNE, April 16 AAP - Victorian drivers are shunning alternative fuels at the bowser,
believing ethanol blends and biofuels may damage cars, a new survey has found.

Eight in 10 Victorian motorists, or 81 per cent, choose not to use ethanol blends or
biofuels despite claims the fuels are better for the environment, the research released
today by insurer AAMI showed.

A lack of awareness about the fuels' suitability for cars and concern they may even
damage vehicles appear to be the main reasons for the resistance, according to AAMI.

"Ethanol blends and biofuel producers have tried to educate motorists about the suitability
of these fuels for conventional petrol engines, however four in 10 Victorian drivers still
think they are not suitable for their cars, and one-quarter think they will have a negative
effect on the running of their car," AAMI claims services manager Anthony Matthews said
in a statement.

But the fuels' availability and cost also appear to be a barrier to their use, with
26 per cent of drivers in Victoria suggesting ethanol blends and biofuels are hard to
find.

Seventeen per cent said the fuels were too expensive.

Mr Matthews said it was surprising more Victorian drivers were not willing to trial
the fuels, considering the level of acceptance in the community that human behaviours
and practices could reduce harmful greenhouse emissions.

The research was based on a telephone and internet survey of 2,503 Australians.

AAP md/gfr/jm/nf

KEYWORD: FUEL VIC

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