ACEA and FuelsEurope warn over French FAME increase 12 January 2015

ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association) and FuelsEurope (representing the EU fuel refining and marketing industry) are concerned that France is unilaterally increasing FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) in diesel.

France published a ministerial order (DEVR1431074A) on 3 January 2015 increasing the FAME content to a maximum of 8%.

ACEA and FuelsEurope want to maintain consistency in terms of quality and specifications across the EU.

The French Ministerial Order runs contrary to this principle and may lead to fragmentation over road fuels.

The two organisations are calling for France to respect the EU-wide standards set by the European Fuel Quality Directive (2009/30/EC) and by the European Technical Specification for Diesel fuel EN590:2013 (max 7% FAME).

"A deviation from this standard by individual member states is neither in the interests of EU consumers nor the EU economy," they say.

"It will lead to unnecessary complexity and extra costs in logistics and supply, due to the proliferation of [different] diesel grades throughout Europe," they continue.

"It also puts users at risk in cases where their vehicles have a warranty that covers diesel fuel to a maximum of 7% FAME content."

ACEA and FuelsEurope reiterate their call for a single consistent and high quality fuel market in the EU.

ACEA members are BMW, DAF Trucks, Daimler, Fiat, Ford of Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco, Jaguar Land Rover, Opel, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen, Volvo Cars and Volvo Group.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
ACEA

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