Thailand to launch fuel-consumption ratings

Thai auto manufacturers and importers will soon be required to provide standardized fuel-consumption ratings and energy-efficiency labels for all vehicles sold locally. The standard point of reference will be the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) Code 2160-2546, equivalent to the Euro 3 standard. The fuel-consumption ratings will be printed on orange labels, indicating an energy-saving product, to be displayed on each car in a showroom. Chen Namchaisiri, vice-chairman for the Institute of Industrial Energy under the Federation of Thai Industries, said the project will focus on small cars initially as consumers of this segment tend to be more environmentally aware, as well as cost-conscious. (November 6, 2006)