Euro 5 emission standards and clean fuel problems

The Government has issued a roadmap to apply Euro 5 emission standards for cars. According to Decision 49/2011/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister issued on September 1, 2011, new manufactured, assembled and imported cars must apply level 5 emission standards (Euro 5) from January 1, 2022. By the end of 2024, all new vehicles must meet Euro 5 emissions standards.

- In the Thai and Indian markets, emissions standards equivalent to Euro 6 are currently applied. According to the roadmap of the Governments of these countries, when the prescribed time comes, they will switch to new, comprehensive emissions standards. All gas stations across the country will simultaneously change, selling only one type of fuel that meets Euro 6 standards (the highest level) and will not sell fuel that only meets Euro 4, 3, 2 standards (the highest level). This country steps from Euro 4 standards to Euro 6

This process aims to is be implemented simultaneously from the Government to fuel suppliers and activities to help change consumer habits.

Long-term use of low standard fuel will clog the catalyst, preventing the combustion of soot in the particulate filter (DPF). In addition, filters will be clogged and the engine may experience problems such as reduced power, vibration and rapid oil aging...

- The common point of car models that meet Euro 5 emission standards is that they are all equipped with OBD emission sensors as well as air filtration devices to reduce the content of polluting particles (PM) and polluting gases (CO, HC, NOx) into the air.

Mr. Bui Ngoc Bao, Chairman of Vietnam Petroleum Association: There needs to be drastic direction from state management agencies

Regarding the implementation of Euro 5 emission standards in Vietnam, in spite of the currently complete legal basis, there is still a lack of synchronization between policy and implementation, because this issue involves many ministries, branches as well as businesses, consumers.

The Government has issued a roadmap to apply Euro 5 emission standards for cars according to Decision 49/2011/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister. Newly manufactured, assembled and imported vehicles must apply level 5 emissions standards (Euro 5) from January 1, 2022. To enforce regulations, manufactured and imported vehicles must meet level 5 emission standards, and the fuel used in the vehicle must meet the same standards as well.

However, many car owners cannot distinguish the difference between fuel emission levels and mainly pour it out of habit, pouring it where it is convenient, and which type is convenient.

For petroleum businesses, when doing business, they aim to meet all types of vehicles, from old to new, from Euro 2, 3, 4 to 5. Furthermore, high quality fuel will be more expensive than other common fuels, so when customers do not need it or import it, who will buy it?

If this problem is not resolved soon, it will easily lead to a "chicken and egg" story. Although, since the Covid-19 epidemic, the Vietnam Petroleum Association and the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) have worked to organize and implement this issue well, up to now there are still many obstacles.

Therefore, to drastically implement the Prime Minister's Decision, it is necessary to have direction from the state management agency rather than issue the document alone. For communication work, it is necessary to make consumers understand what kind of car it is and what fuel comes with it.

For gasoline agents, when there is a request, they must respond, have an import plan and really focus on propaganda activities for buyers about the type of gasoline suitable for the vehicle engine.

For consumers, it is also necessary to raise awareness about using right fuel for vehicles and they must strictly follow the rules as soon as the policies are issued. These products must be imported because there is demand, there will be supply.

In particular, drastic guidance and direction from state management agencies is needed. For example, the Ministry of Industry and Trade must direct petroleum enterprises on how many % of level 5 standard fuel they must have; The Registry agency must have regulations to check whether exhaust emissions meet the requirements and map out solutions to handle cars using unsuitable fuel type. At the same time, it is necessary to warn of damage when using fuel that is not suitable for the vehicle. For car manufacturers, there is a policy to raise awareness for consumers by stating that vehicles that do not use appropriate fuel do not have a warranty.

Mr. Ruchik Shah. General Director of Ford Vietnam: Actively communicate about using standard fuel

Using appropriate fuel will be good for the longevity of the engine and exhaust treatment system, the vehicle's performance as well as the customer's driving experience. In addition, using clean fuel contributes to protecting the environment, reducing the greenhouse effect, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change while protecting public health and limiting respiratory diseases and cardiovascular.

From 2022, in response to the Government's roadmap for applying level 5 emissions standards (equivalent to Euro 5), all new generation Ford vehicles, including imported and assembled products of Ford Vietnam, have met Euro 5 emission standards. For vehicle models that meet Euro 5 emission standards, customers must use the appropriate fuel to meet level 5 emission standards. Accordingly, 0.001S-V DO oil needs to be must be used for new generation Ford vehicles including Ranger, Raptor, Everest, Transit and Ron 95-V gasoline for new Territory and Explorer models

Ford Vietnam always actively communicates about the use of Euro 5 fuel to customers and coordinates with the dealer system to plan strategic vision, goals and implementation methods to gradually change consumers' fuel usage habits.

Ford has continuously advised customers to use correct fuel standards such as sharing information on Ford Vietnam's official website and social network platforms and directly at dealerships (place standees and banners recommending the use of standard fuel; advice agents and recommend the use of Euro 5 diesel fuel for customers, and guide customers to install and use the Petrolimex application). Moreover, others measures such as affixing fuel warning stickers inside and outside the fuel tank cap on all vehicles sold and putting clear regulations in the warranty book of newly sold vehicles are carried out at the same time.

N. Hà - N. Linh (recorded)