Buyers of Skoda diesel cars during March will receive vouchers up to a value of €500 for alternative fuel HVO, writes Brian Byrne. The promotion is with fuel supplier Certa, who are currently upgrading their 41 forecourt outlets to provide HVO.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil is a low-carbon biofuel which can replace or be mixed with regular diesel fuel without needing any modifications to engines. It is made in a process involving waste plant-matter oils and a hydrogen catalyst. Proponents claim it cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90pc.
The Skoda promotion provides vouchers of €250 or €500 to customers, depending on the diesel model bought. The company, a part of the Volkswagen Group, says all diesel cars produced by Skoda since 2021 are HVO-compatible. For current owners of diesel cars, an online check here will inform them if their car is compatible.
Certa operate unmanned 24/7 pay at the pump forecourts, with HVO currently available at their outlets in Liffey Valley in Dublin, Lee Tunnel in Cork and Trim in Meath. Certa are planning to have seven more forecourts HVO-ready by the end of this year, in Dundrum, Tallaght and Finglas in Dublin, Maynooth in Kildare, Letterkenny in Donegal and Athlone and Mullingar in Westmeath. HVO pumps are recognisable by pink nozzles.
Pictured are John Donegan, Brand Director at Škoda Ireland, Ciara Breen, Marketing Manager at Škoda Ireland, Andrew Graham, Managing Director at Certa and Laura Byrne Head of Sustainable Fuels at Certa.
