7/7/2004 - Bangkok Post Toyota Motor Thailand Co has welcomed thegovernment's policy to develop biodiesel as an alternative fuel forautomobiles.

Vice-president Supparat Sirisuwannapumi said the policy, which would alsohelp reduce oil imports, was a good signal for those involved to seriouslyconduct studies and trials of biodiesel-suitable vehicle engines.

However, he said technical studies and trials would take about one year todetermine whether the fuel causes any harm to engines.

Phaibul Phoocharoen, the vice-president of Tri Petch Isuzu sales Co, saidthe government should set a standard ratio of palm oil to diesel as wellas standards for palm oil refining.

In addition, he said, authorities had to seek ways to reduce productioncosts to make the business viable for producers and ensure steady rawmaterial supplies.

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