Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, on Tuesday accused the Centre of pressuring automobile manufacturers to mislead consumers on the use of E20 ethanol-blended fuel, alleging that at least three major carmakers made claims that contradicted the guidance in their own vehicle owner manuals.
He also said that he would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to make E20 fuel optional, and to carmakers seeking written assurances that the fuel does not damage engines or reduce mileage.
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Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal alleged that the government had asked six automobile companies to publicly endorse E20 fuel despite concerns over its compatibility with non-E20 vehicles.
“Why is the central government making auto companies lie about E20? Six auto companies were called and told to say in a press conference that there is no harm from E20 and that it can be used in non-E20 vehicles as well,” he said.
Kejriwal specifically named Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar and Hero MotoCorp, accusing them of misleading consumers by making public statements that, he claimed, were inconsistent with the recommendations contained in their owner manuals.
“Three of these companies—Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Hero MotoCorp—lied to the country. I have the owner manuals of these companies, which prove that they lied to the country,” he alleged.
The AAP chief said he would write to the three manufacturers seeking written guarantees that customers would be compensated if the use of E20 fuel caused engine damage or led to a significant reduction in fuel efficiency.
“I will write letters to all of them. Your owner’s manual says one thing, but you are saying something else. Give in writing that if the mileage of your vehicle drops by more than 10 per cent, you will compensate the customer,” Kejriwal said.
He further asked whether the companies would bear the cost of replacing vehicle components if E20 fuel caused wear and tear or mechanical damage.
“If using E20 ethanol in your vehicle damages the vehicle or causes wear and tear, will you compensate for the replacement of those components?” he asked.
There was no immediate response from Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar or Hero MotoCorp to Kejriwal’s allegations.
Kejriwal also criticised the Centre’s ethanol-blending policy, alleging that the government was presenting only “half the truth” by citing global adoption of ethanol-blended fuel.
“This is only half the truth. In those countries, the ethanol blend is generally below E10. Ordinary vehicles can use up to E10, but not beyond that,” he said.
He added that he would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveying what he described as people’s “strong protest” against ethanol blending and urging the government to make E20 fuel optional instead of mandatory.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
