BMW calls for clarity on green fuel policy

German carmaker BMW has asked the Industry Ministry of Thailand to clarify its fuel-promotion policies, said BMW Group (Thailand) President Michael Kordys. The company echoed the concerns of its Japanese counterparts about the need to make the country’s alternative fuel strategy clearer. ”Over the past three to four months, the government’s direction on alternative fuel has been unclear,” said Kordys. ”There is no confidence in the market anymore, both for car users and producers.” Industry Minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan has already held meetings with Japanese carmakers to hear their views on oil prices and alternative fuel options. The Japanese carmakers called for clearer policies and requested that the government prioritize its eco-car project and its development of E20 gasohol-compatible models before promoting E85 vehicles, which the Energy Ministry has been pushing for. The Japanese would also like an end to subsidies for natural gas for vehicles and liquefied petroleum gas. However, for European carmakers, a diesel subsidy is likely to be a priority as their vehicles have focused in recent years on diesel technology. (September 9, 2008)