Car dealers pleased with removal of leaded gas

A number of local automotive dealers yesterday expressed their support for Government’s plan to replace leaded gasoline (super) with a new grade of 92 Ron unleaded gasoline by April 1, 2004. This move, they maintained, would have numerous environmental and health benefits. However, some noted, it could also prove costly to owners of cars manufactured prior to 1992, which were designed for the use of leaded gasoline.

According to Ian Arrindell, CEO of Neal and Massy Motors, the continuous use of unleaded gasoline in an engine designed for leaded gasoline could cause problems with engine valves. Chief Technician at Amar Distributors Michael Singh said engine modification might therefore become necessary. The other option would be the purchase of a new vehicle. However, he stated, all of the cars being sold on the market now are designed for the use of unleaded gasoline. In Monday’s Budget presentation, Finance Minister Prime Minister Patrick Manning revealed Government’s intention to introduce the new grade of unleaded gasoline on a phased basis. Regular gasoline, he stated, would also be completely phased out of the domestic market by April. Manning also revealed that increases in the price of leaded and unleaded 95 Ron gasoline would be effected.

The new grade of unleaded gasoline, he stated, would enter the market at the retail pump price of $2.70 per litre. The retail pump price for leaded 95 Ron gasoline, which is to be replaced, will be increased from the current price of $2.45 per litre to $2.70 per litre. Additionally, the retail pump price for unleaded 95 Ron gasoline will be increased from the current price of $2.85 per litre to $3.00 per litre. Garth Marshall, Brand Manager at Automobile Sales Ltd expressed his belief that the increase in gasoline prices would not have an impact on the price of vehicles. “Gasoline,” he stated in an interview, “is a consumer product and does not affect the car dealerships.” Arrindell shared his view, noting that even if there was an increase in vehicle prices, it would be minimal.

Marshall went on to explain that most cars have the capacity to run on unleaded fuel, which enhances the vehicle’s performance. In theory, he stated, unleaded fuel is cleaner than leaded and thought to be of a higher octane rating, which allows for a reduction in vehicle emissions. “If vehicles are burning unleaded fuel,” he said, “the environment will be cleaner because of a reduction in unhealthy emissions.” “However, if the car itself is working badly, no matter the type of fuel the emissions are high,” he added. Marshall called for something to be done about the number of poorly working vehicles on the nation’s roads to reduce the level of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. “Until something is done to control this, it will make no difference what kind of fuel is used,” he maintained.