WASHINGTON (Bloomberg) -- Automakers including Chrysler Group LLC, General Motors Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. criticized an EPA plan to allow gasoline containing up to 15 percent ethanol to be used in cars and trucks in the U.S., saying it may void warranties.
Nine automakers in letters released today that were sent to U.S. Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., said the EPA plan announced last week to sell so-called E15 fuel may damage engines and fuel-supply systems.
The EPA last week announced an orange and black label to be used at pumps selling blends containing 15 percent ethanol.
"While Chrysler has been a strong advocate of renewable fuels, we have concerns about the potential harmful effects of E15 in engines and fuel systems that were not designed for use of that fuel," Jody Trapasso, Chrysler's senior vice president of external affairs, wrote in a June 23 letter to Sensenbrenner, vice chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
The EPA, under Clean Air Act waivers, has said it will allow E15 to be sold for use in cars and light trucks as old as model year 2001.
