Local OEMs voice concerns over Malaysia’s B10 mandate

Local original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their trade group, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), have expressed their concerns over the implementation of Malaysia’s B10 biodiesel programme in October.

BMW Malaysia said that their tests with B10 biodiesel worldwide found technical challenges, including increased oil sludge and reduced lubricity. Meanwhile, Volkswagen Malaysia said that “Running B10 biodiesel on our diesel engines will produce adverse effects as well as void the warranty,” according to reports by local media. President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Roland S. Folger, said the group’s diesel-powered passenger cars, vans and trucks can use up to B7.

Supporting car manufacturers’ views, MAA has stressed that the current diesel cars in the Malaysian market are not suitable for B10 (10% biodiesel) blends.

“Our stance is clear; the diesel vehicles in Malaysia can only run on B7 biodiesel,” MAA Chairman Datuk Aishah Ahmad was quoted as saying.  She said that hopefully the government will reverse its decision about implementing B10.

Government officials said that it is in discussions with stakeholders and that a paper will be submitted to the Cabinet for their deliberation.

The world’s largest palm oil producer, Malaysia is targeting implementation of B15 by 2020, under the 11th Malaysia Plan.