Mario James, Gleaner Writer

The Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) has joined hands with sister organisations worldwide to paint green the way we think about and use our automobiles.

Endorsed by the Ministry of Energy, the 10-point plan emphasises a mindset, rather than a technical step-by-step approach, to the business of conservation. The brainchild of the governing body for motorsport, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), 'Make Cars Green' aims to encourage a radical rethink in the way cars are considered. They are advocating ecologically sound mobility.

As part of its commitments as representative of the mobile consumer, the FIA launched a leaflet on World Environment Day 2008, outlining its 10 points for greener motoring. This outlines easy steps to reduce automobile s' harmful impact on the environment.

Some 250,000 of these leaflets are currently being distributed by the local arm of the Automobile Association as part of its contribution to the campaign.

Passionate about role

JAA's general manager, Alan Beckford, was passionate about the role his entity had to play in this new thrust. A motorsport fan, he also cited the FIA's involvement in Formula One and the pressures being brought to bear to make the sport more environmentally friendly.

He said that hybrid and regenerative braking technology would be included in the F1 rule books for 2009.

Energy Minister Clive Mullings said in his presentation that public acceptance of the new E10 fuel has been greater than expected. He noted that initial demand was projected at 3,000 barrels per week, with the fuel to be made available at 100 stations during the first phase of the rollout.

Great demand

But with only 62 outlets selling E10, demand is far in excess of projections, he disclosed. Some 8,000 barrels are needed to slake the country's thirst for the environmentally cleaner fuel.

Minister Mullings also said that the drive for E-85 was already being contemplated, and that initially, "What we plan to do is to utilise one or two pilot (service) stations, which would be able to put in an additional tank for E85."

Flex-fuel vehicles that can utilise the E85 blend come in at a 60 per cent duty rate, which the Government hopes will make them financially more attractive to buyers.

However, to date, only General Motors has vehicles readily available to take advantage of this benefit.

Send feedback to mario.james@gleanerjm.com.

JAA encourages motorists to: