DOE set to launch fuel efficiency campaign

The Department of Energy (DOE) is expected to launch a nationwide program on fuel efficiency, starting off with a labeling program on the fuel economy ratings of Asian Utility Vehicles (AUVs).

"Consistent with our thrust to give consumers the power of choice, we are going to introduce a labeling program on AUVs. This will give consumers vital information on the fuel economy rating performance of the car. Such information will guide them in buying the most suitable cars for their needs and help them in their monthly budgets for fuel expenditures. Labeling provides consumers the ability to choose what could give them the best value for their money," Energy Secretary Vicente S. Perez said.

Perez said they will tap the private sector, particularly the car manufacturing industry.

He said the labeling program will be voluntary in nature and will ask the car manufacturers to comply with a set of rating performance criteria based on their own initiative.

The energy chief said they will also give additional information to the motoring public to help them make intelligent choices in buying and maintaining their vehicles.

The fuel economy rating determines how far a vehicle can travel given a specific amount of fuel.

"We are in the process of designing the necessary tags that will be placed in the cars stating the respective fuel economy rating performances of these cars, similar to the energy efficiency rating labels placed in the air conditioners and refrigerators," he added.

Results of the DOE AUV Economy Run conducted last Nov. 10 showed that a Honda CRV, 2.0-liter gasoline engine and manual transmission, was able to cover 9.587 kms. per liter.

Isuzu Crosswind XTO and Isuzu Crosswind XT, 2.5-liter diesel engine and manual transmission, were able to travel 17.122 kms. and 19.198 kms., respectively.

A 2.4-liter diesel-engine Toyota Revo, manual transmission, can travel about 16.453 kilometers (kms) per liter. Two of the seven car entries were Toyota Revo — Car No.1 traveled 16.402 kms. and Car No. 2 traveled 16.504 kms. Mitsubishi Adventure, 2.5-liter diesel engine and manual transmission, covered 17.509 kms. per liter. – Donnabelle Gatdula