[HIGHLIGHTS]

BE SMARTER. BE CLEANER. USE SYNTHETIC OIL!

The Motorcycle Community in Europe, launches a European-wide campaign to promote the use of synthetic based oils for 2-stroke PTW engines.

The Oil Awareness Campaign “Use Synthetic Oil!” - jointly organised by ACEM, ETRA, FEMA and FIM - will be launched at the ACEM Annual Conference on 20 November 2007 in Brussels.

The campaign will be disseminated throughout Europe by FEMA rider association members, FIM and ETRA members and contacts and networks and ACEM members’ dealer networks. The information kit is available on: http://www.usesyntheticoil.info/

The campaign

The message, synthesized in the logo and slogan “Be smarter, be cleaner, use synthetic oil!” wants to be positive, encouraging 2-strokers to be more environmentally friendly.

The campaign will contribute to a better and cleaner environment, in particular for the part of the circulating park still made up of old technology vehicles, not complying with latest Euro standards. The type of lubricant oil has a direct and immediate impact on the Particulate Matter (PM) emissions of many millions of in-use 2- stroke “conventional” PTWs, as using synthetic based oils has the potential for PM reduction in the range of 50%.

PM emissions for PTWs predicted to drop by 2012

An independent laboratory, LAT*, performed a cost/benefit analysis for the European Commission and concluded that overall PTWs' contribution to global PM emissions was gradually decreasing and stood at only 1.6% of total road transport. According to this research, EURO 2 HC limitations already address this particular source (PM) and PM emissions for 2-strokers were predicted to drop to 0.3% of the overall transport emissions by 2012 .

The LAT report also revealed that the use of synthetic oil could achieve 5 to 7 times greater PM reduction for old technology two stroke engine PTWs still in use.

A decision to be taken by the user

Whilst a negligible short term additional cost is present (0,01€/km), a greater use of synthetic based oils ensures savings for the user, and the vehicle's maintenance costs can be reduced due to an extended life for the engine, exhaust and spark plug. The Motorcycle Industry in Europe therefore encourages the use of synthetic lubricants through its dealership networks.

Authorities can also support emission reductions by providing fiscal incentives leading to the renewal of the fleet with low-emission PTWs. This scheme was recently prompted by ACEM member ANCMA** in Italy, where 15 million € were made available by the Ministry of Environment.

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* Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

** Associazione Nazionale Cicli Motocicli Accessori