Bangkok--24 Apr--Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Expected to Bring Baht 3 Billion Annual Saving to the Country
The Ministry of Energy launched a public relations campaign dubbed “Be Confident, Use Gasohol” by introducing the theme “Be More Reasonable, Stop Blaming Gasohol for all the Troubles” to be broadcast in various types of media. The initiative encompassed cooperation from several oil manufacturers and auto makers. The launch event also featured “Red Licensed Car Owners are Confident to use Gasohol” aimed to encourage newly purchased car owners to use gasohol.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, Minister of Energy revealed that “The government has initiated several measures to promote gasohol as alternative energy for a while. Our focus now is to convince and encourage more motorists to use gasohol. We launch the “Be Confident, Use Gasohol” public relations campaign with an aim to reduce people’s prejudice and discrimination on gasohol. What we expect from this effort is Thai motorists’ willingness in using gasohol because they really have correct perception and see the benefits of using gasohol such as saving energy expense and helping the country depend less on imported oil.”
In 2006 new registered passenger cars of not over 7 seats accounted for 305,435 units, and new motorcycles over 2 million units. These new vehicles are gasohol compatible, with guaranteed no impact on engine, its performance and acceleration rate.
Using gasohol instead of benzene helps consumers save energy expense by 2 — 2.50 Baht per liter. A car owner who turns to use gasohol on regular basis can save up to Baht 4,000 annually (calculated based on monthly fuel expense of Baht 4,000 — 5,000). The current number of passenger cars in Thailand is 3.3 million. In case all motorists in the country opt for gasohol, the country can save up to Baht 3,000 million from oil imports, a tremendous economic saving.
Currently gasohol is a globally accepted alternative energy. In addition, turning to use gasohol is such an easy decision since it can be mixed with remaining oil in the tank and no engine alteration is required.
“Be More Reasonable, Stop Blaming Gasohol for all the Troubles” is the theme for the Energy Ministry’s public relations campaign, scheduled to run from April until September 2007. Its objective is to create good perception on gasohol and to convince motorists to use gasohol on regular basis. The campaign, encompassing various types of media to reach motorists countrywide, includes television commercial and documentary, radio spot and outdoor sign. Communication messages are also broadcast via the Internet in forms of viral mail, web board and blog.
Recently the Ministry of Energy joined hands with several carmakers in the 28th Bangkok International Motor Show in labeling “Be Confident, Use Gasohol” sticker on vehicles that are gasohol compatible in order to build clear awareness to visitors in the event. The initiative was very successful in building public awareness. Participating carmakers have continued to put “Be Confident, Use Gasohol” sticker on oil tank cap of new cars as a reminder for car owners together with encourage customers to use gasohol on regular basis.
Several oil manufacturers also expressed their readiness to support the gasohol promotion campaign. They have exercised quality assurance program for gasohol and increased the number of service stations to accommodate future growing demand. In addition, the government provides support on material and production readiness, including implementing market-based price mechanism to encourage ethanol manufacturers.
The event also featured a special activity - “Red Licensed Car Owners are Confident to use Gasohol”, a lucky draw program specially devised to encourage owners of newly purchased cars to use gasohol. The first prize is gasohol petrol coupon worth 50,000 Baht.
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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