Contaminated diesel fuel claims lack substance

New Zealand’s Motor Trade Association (MTA) has carried out a survey following recent claims that contaminated diesel fuel is causing a range of problems for some diesel vehicles. Results from the contaminated diesel fuel survey show that the problem has not increased over the last three years. More than 30 specialist diesel repairers from around the country took part in the survey, which was aimed at getting a better understanding of whether or not there actually are any outstanding issues with this increasingly popular type of fuel, and whether or not the issue is widespread or localized. Marketing and Communications General Manager Ian Stronach says survey results and feedback from expert repairers show that owners and members of the public may be getting an incomplete picture. “We are surprised and at a loss as to why some people in the industry have made these claims, as based on what members from across the country are telling us, there simply isn’t any evidence to suggest that there is an issue.” says Stronach. The MTA says the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has been carrying out tests on service station fuel tanks at a rate of 18 per month over the last three years, and to date, has found no contamination. (February 3, 2010)