Automakers in Vietnam back E10 gasoline rollout as biofuel goes nationwide

Major Japanese automakers and motorcycle manufacturers in Vietnam have confirmed that most of their vehicles are compatible with E10 biofuel gasoline, as the country has begun nationwide sale of the fuel in a push to reduce emissions and cut reliance on conventional fossil fuels.

The announcements come Vietnam started selling only E10 and E5 RON 92 biofuels from Monday, replacing conventional RON 95 gasoline. E10 fuel is a blend containing 90% mineral gasoline and 10% ethanol.

Mitsubishi Motors Vietnam said most of its vehicles with electronic fuel injection distributed in the country since 1997 can operate normally using E10 gasoline. However, the company said compatibility remains unclear for several older models, including the L300 produced between 1995 and 2003, Pajero V31, Jolie, and Proton Wira.

Toyota Motor Vietnam said all Toyota vehicles manufactured from 1997 onward, including used cars still in circulation, are fully compatible with E10 fuel.

The Japanese automaker added that E10 does not negatively affect engine durability, vehicle safety or maintenance costs compared with traditional gasoline.

Suzuki Vietnam said all automobiles it has manufactured and distributed locally since 2001 are suitable for E10 use. Current models including the XL7, Swift, Jimny, Fronx, Ertiga, Carry Pro, and Eeco are among those approved for the fuel.

In the motorcycle segment, Suzuki said popular models such as Raider/Satria FI, GSX, Burgman, Gixxer, V-Strom, and Address can also use E10 while remaining fully covered under factory warranty policies.

Yamaha Motor Vietnam similarly confirmed that all motorcycles equipped with electronic fuel injection systems are compatible with E10 without requiring technical modifications.

For carburetor-equipped motorcycles, Yamaha said models produced from 2017 onward can use E10, while older vehicles are advised to continue using E5 gasoline.

Honda Vietnam previously said its motorcycles are designed to operate with fuel rated at RON 91 or higher and ethanol content of up to 10%, meaning customers can safely use either E5 RON 92 or E10 RON 95 fuel without damaging engines or fuel systems.

The coordinated statements from automakers and motorcycle producers are aimed at addressing growing consumer concerns ahead of the biofuel sale rollout. One of the most common concerns among drivers is that vehicles may feel less powerful after switching to biofuel blends.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade said it is difficult to detect any meaningful difference in engine performance between E10 and conventional gasoline under normal driving conditions.

According to the ministry, cases where vehicles appear sluggish after switching fuel are more likely linked to dirt, residue, or rust already present in fuel systems rather than the fuel itself.

The ministry also said there is no scientific evidence showing E10 damages engines. It noted that the fuel has been used for years in around 60 countries worldwide without widespread technical problems.

“Domestic and international testing has similarly found no evidence that E10 directly causes engine failures,” the ministry said.