Automakers, Citing New Test Data, Say Boost in Ethanol Blend Would Damage Cars

Automakers, Citing New Test Data, Say Boost in Ethanol Blend Would Damage Cars

The auto industry says the U.S. government's plan to raise the amount of ethanol mixed into gasoline sold in America will damage cars and increase the amount of pollution they emit, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to issue a rule in the next few weeks that would permit oil companies to increase the amount of ethanol in automotive fuel to 15 percent from 10 percent so they can meet EPA quotas for renewable fuels.

Automakers have opposed the change since the EPA first signaled it last year but they have not had test results to back up their opposition - until now.

Speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents 11 major automakers, General Motors' biofuel implementation manager C. Coleman Jones said that half of the engines tested so far have had some problems.

Specifically, he said more ethanol will confuse exhaust control systems and make engines run too hot, destroying catalytic converters, and it can also damage engine cylinders. The blend change will leave some car owners walking, he said.

The auto industry is urging the EPA to delay any changes to the fuel mix until after 2011, when more complete testing will be done.

An EPA spokeswoman declined to comment on the manufacturers' test results.

Ethanol makers say that most cars will run just fine on 15 percent ethanol.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.