NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS OF SOUTH AFRICA

PO BOX 40611, ARCADIA 0007
TELEPHONES: (012) 323-2980/1 – 323-2003
TELEFAX: (012) 326-3232
WEB ADDRESS: www.naamsa.co.za
E-MAIL ADDRESS: naamsa@iafrica.com
OFFICES: 1st FLOOR, NEDBANK PLAZA
Cnr CHURCH AND BEATRIX STREETS
ARCADIA, PRETORIA 0083
 

NAAMSA MEDIA RELEASE : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CLEANER FUELS FOR A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT: DISCONTINUATION OF 97 RON LEADED PETROL IN COASTAL AREAS FROM JANUARY, 2006 AND ADVICE TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN PRE 1996 VEHICLES  

1.     Background : The Cleaner Fuels for a Cleaner Environment Initiative  

From the beginning of 2006, cleaner fuels will be introduced throughout South Africa.  This important development is part of a process of aligning South African fuel standards with international fuel specifications and vehicle technology requirements.  It will also, over time, promote improved air quality and a healthier environment in South Africa.   

2.     The implications for certain pre-1996 vehicles in the context of the new fuels structure 

From January, 2006, leaded petrol will be phased out in South Africa and new octane grades introduced.  From that time, the current 97 RON leaded petrol available in coastal regions will be replaced by a 95 RON lead replacement petrol.   

This 95 octane petrol should satisfy the needs of the vast majority of vehicles, however, a limited number of older, pre 1996 vehicles – in South Africa’s coastal regions – may require an engine adjustment to ensure problem free and efficient operation.

Owners of affected vehicles, in coastal areas, should seek advice regarding compatibility with the new 95 octane lead replacement petrol and the possible need for an engine adjustment preferably prior to the January, 2006 fuel change.  Owners of such vehicles may consult their relevant franchise dealer service department or their servicing workshops.  Additionally, owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by the fuel change by accessing the website www.naamsa.co.za and clicking on “Vehicle Fuel Compatibility”.  Vehicle manufacturers’ call centres and oil company call centres may also be consulted. 

It is important to note that the size of the coastal vehicle population which may require some engine adjustment is fairly small and that most affected vehicles would probably operate quite normally on the 95 octane lead replacement fuel.

The need to adjust the timing on some of the older, pre 1996 motor cars in South Africa’s coastal regions can be addressed relatively easily and effectively as part of a standard service or separately, if desired.  

3.    The role of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and independent service workshops in assisting with engine adjustment of pre-1996 vehicles in coastal areas

Owners of affected vehicles, may visit participating RMI accredited workshops to receive a FREE ignition timing adjustment or in the event that their particular car does not make provision for mechanical ignition correction, then the RMI member shall willingly advise the motorists regarding alternative measures. 

4.     Procedure to be followed – 

Establish whether your vehicle in fact requires a timing adjustment by consulting the NAAMSA website – www.naamsa.co.za and clicking on “Vehicle Fuel Compatibility” and consulting the relevant notes in the right hand column. 

If an adjustment is recommended, contact the appropriate Regional Office of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) as per the contact details reflected on the attached schedule or consult the RMI website at –  www.rmi.org.za .

NAAMSA Offices: Pretoria

Attachments
RMI - REGIONAL-BRANCH OFFICES