Car Makers, Fuel Suppliers Unite to Promote Synthetic Fuels in Europe

BRUSSELS, March 9, 2006 - Leading automotive manufacturers and fuel supply companies have laid out their common vision of sustainable mobility in Europe, launching the new Alliance for Synthetic Fuels in Europe (ASFE) at a recent conference in Brussels.

At the conference, founding members of the Alliance of Synthetic Fuels in Europe (ASFE) -- DaimlerChrysler, Renault, Royal Dutch Shell, Sasol Chevron and the Volkswagen group -- addressed the strategic role of synthetic fuels in tackling today's energy and environmental challenges and reducing the environmental impact of road transport through improved energy efficiency and the use of cleaner fuels.

"Synthetic fuels can deliver a cleaner fuel future," said George Couvaras, chief executive officer, Sasol Chevron. "Synthetic fuels can meet concerns about security and diversity of supply. Synthetic fuels can deliver real emissions reductions today and this will improve even more as the technology develops."

Royal Dutch Shell plc executive director, Rob Routs said: "Synthetic fuels made from natural gas and biomass can also reduce petroleum dependency. They provide a cost-effective, realistic development path between today's fuels and longer term renewable energy."

Synthetic fuels are a new generation of near zero sulphur and aromatics transport fuels made with the Fischer Tropsch process from natural gas (GTL), coal (CTL) or biomass (BTL). Of the three processes, GTL is the most commercially advanced and offers a practical alternative fuel today. A number of plants are being built or planned and product availability will increase from 2006 onwards. BTL needs further R&D investment but has the potential to use domestic resources in Europe.

Greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic fuels derived from natural gas are comparable with transport fuels made from crude oil, while those produced from biomass can contribute to greenhouse gas reduction of up to 90%. As synthetic fuels can be used neat or blended in existing diesel engines, distribution and refueling infrastructure, they are the most cost effective solution to reducing petroleum dependency. Synthetic fuels can provide significant local air quality improvement by reducing tailpipe emissions (particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons).

Franz-Josef Paefgen, general power of attorney, Volkswagen AG, set out the objectives of the ASFE: "The objectives of ASFE are to promote synthetic fuels and support a range of activities in the field of sustainable mobility including research, projects demonstrating the benefits of synthetic fuels including vehicle trials, cooperation with governments and promotion of public awareness."

Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG, responsible for Group Research & Mercedes Car Group Development, assessed the objectives of the ASFE in the light of wider European policy objectives: "Synthetic fuels can make a real contribution in many of Europe's policy areas -- combating climate change, reducing energy consumption, diversifying energy supplies, ensuring security of energy supply and improving air quality."

Throughout the conference's keynote talks and panel discussions, ASFE members stated their shared commitment to reducing the environmental impact of road transport through improved engine technology and cleaner fuels.

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