Alternate Fuels
The Australian Government has limited the level of ethanol in petrol in Australia to a maximum of 10 per cent, or E10. While most new and many older vehicle models can operate satisfactorily on ethanol blended petrol it is important that car owners have access to accurate information. The FCAI has maintained a list of vehicles that are suitable to operate on either E5 or E10 on its website.
In 2007 the Australian Government conducted a review of the management of bio-diesel. As not all vehicles are compatible with bio-diesel the FCAI advised the amount
of bio-diesel added to diesel be limited to a maximum 5 per cent blend (i.e. B5).
Product Stewardship
Initiatives to reduce waste, increase recycling and improve resource efficiency are emerging as a significant area of potential future regulation for the Australian automotive industry.
Several state governments have identified ‘wastes of concern’ which have been targeted for attention through possible product stewardship or other similar arrangements, including waste tyres and end-of-life vehicles.
The FCAI is seeking to work with relevant state government and federal government agencies to examine the implications of proposed product stewardship arrangements for the environment and for the automotive industry.