Peugeot Citroen approves use of biofuels in some models

Peugeot Citroen's approval of the use of Morrison's B30 regards any of its cars built since 1998 which have an HDI-engine, and will not affect the warranty or maintenance. Vauxhall has also certified its use for its Euro 4 Vivaro and Movano vans. The fuel, which Morrison's launched in October 2007, is made up of 30% biodiesel and 70% fossil fuel diesel. The biodiesel element of the fuel is composed of 50% recycled cooking oil and 50% rapeseed oil, all of which is refined in the UK. Car magazine Autocar estimates that, in the UK, where Peugeot Citroen vehicles account for 12% of the total car parc, over 1.5 million cars will be able to use the fuel. Morrison's has stated that the launch of the fuel has been highly successful, and the company intends to increase the number of sites where it sells B30 over the next few months. Given Peugeot Citroen's decision to approve B30, other fuel retailers, in both the UK and the rest of Europe, may also consider offering B30 at their pumps, especially in markets where diesel vehicles are popular and Peugeot Citroen vehicles represent a substantial proportion of the overall car parc. Furthermore, additional carmakers approving the use of B30 will encourage fuel retailers to offer the biodiesel. France, in particular, stands out as a market where many vehicles are compatible with B30. Diesel cars account for 53% of the total car parc, a higher proportion than the average 31% in Europe. Peugeot Citroen cars also account for 32% of the total car parc, the highest proportion in Europe. However, at present, only Total sells B30 at a number of its service stations, leaving scope for other large fuel retailers, such as Intermarche and Carrefour, to enter the market. Spain is another market where a large proportion of the vehicle parc may be able to run on B30. Over half of the cars in the country run on diesel, and Peugeot Citroen cars represent 21% of the total car parc. Nevertheless, none of the mainstream fuel retailers sell B30. Peugeot Citroen cars are also highly popular in Belgium and Portugal, where they account for over 15% of their respective national car parcs, which make them the third and fourth most popular markets for Peugeot Citroen vehicles in Europe, respectively. However, for fuel retailers that are considering offering B30, Belgium would be the more attractive of the two, given that diesel vehicles represent 57% of the Belgian national car parc, compared to 30% in Portugal. Peugeot Citroen's approval of Morrison's B30 will make some European fuel retailers consider the fuel, particularly in markets where diesel vehicles represent a large part of the overall car parc and where Peugeot Citroen vehicles are popular.