Bangkok--29 Mar--Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
The Ministry of Energy joined forces with several leading carmakers to promote the use of gasohol under the concept “Be Confident to Use Gasohol” in the 28th Bangkok International Motor Show. The campaign, as part of the government’s alternative energy policy, aims to strengthen motorists’ confidence in gasohol.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, Minister of Energy revealed that “we would like to encourage Thai People to be aware of current oil price crisis and have a serious take on alternative energy as a way to save fuel cost and help the country to depend less on oil imports. The Bangkok International Motor Show serves as a perfect arena for promoting the use of gasohol to target audience like motorists, prospective car buyers and general public, since it is a major automobile event in which a large number of people attend. Our campaign also matches the Motor Show’s “Drive Thru the Nature” theme as well as to commemorate HM King Bhumibol’s alternative energy initiatives on the auspicious occasion of His 80th Birthday Anniversary.”
The Energy Ministry has continued to promote correct understanding of gasohol since 2005. This “Be Confident to Use Gasohol” public relations campaign particularly aims change people’s suspicious attitude towards gasohol, turn it into trust and then decide to use gasohol instead of benzene on a regular basis.
“We wish to communicate the truth about gasohol and its benefits to motorists. Firstly you can save more on fuel expense since the current price difference between gasohol 95 and benzene octane 95 is increased to 2.5 Baht per liter and difference between gasohol 91 and benzene octane 91 adjusted to 2 Baht per liter. In addition, gasohol poses no impact on engine performance and acceleration rate, and can be mixed with remaining oil in the tank.”
“The activity is believed to bring successful outcomes since we received good cooperation from Grand Prix International, the organizer of the Motor Show, and several carmakers participating in the event. To build clear awareness to visitors in the Motor Show, we put “Be Confident to Use Gasohol” sticker on vehicles that are gasohol compatible in participating car brands which include BMW, Ford, Honda, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo. This is an efficient way to build trust among consumers since the confirmation comes directly from car manufacturers.”
The Ministry of Energy has continued to promote the use of gasohol by coordinating with all involved parties such as oil distributors, carmakers and other relevant agencies and entities. Oil distributors support in identifying more attractive pricing. Several measures have been mapped out to support the campaign, as follows:
Support on material and production readiness — the government has promoted the daily ethanol production capacity of 800,000 liters in order to meet the growing demand, as well as to implement market mechanism for pricing policy in order to motivate ethanol manufacturers
Exercising of standard control for gasohol quality — regular monitoring program has been developed and implemented to ensure the quality of gasohol. Random gasohol inspection has been performed in both major oil depots and petrol stations.
Pricing of gasohol — the price difference between gasohol 95 and benzene octane 95 is increased to 2.5 Baht per liter and difference between gasohol 91 and benzene octane 91 adjusted to 2 Baht per liter.
Promoting of distribution of gasohol 91 — so as to provide consumers with more alternative
Proactive public relations campaigns — proactive public relations program has been developed to reach wider group of audience on continual basis.
Issued on behalf of : Energy Policy and Planning Office, Ministry of Energy
For more information : Kovit Savangvareesakul
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Jintana Duangkaew
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