New vehicles capable of running on up to 85 percent ethanol are the stars of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this year, according to the Detroit Free Press. For the first time, several automakers unveiled concept and production models capable of burning E85, the blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline backed by Detroit automakers as the …
Ford Goes Back to Ethanol Roots
AgriNews of Minnesota reports that Ford is “returning to its origins with its interest in ethanol.” In 1907, ethanol was the primary fuel for Ford vehicles because it was the most widely available fuel, said Ron Westby, director of public policy for Ford Motor Company, speaking at last week’s Agri-Growth Council annual meeting. Ford switched to gasoline after the Volstad …
Home of the Biodiesel Rams
The newest breed of Dodge Ram comes factory-fueled with biodiesel. Under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis Tuesday, representatives from the National Biodiesel Board and Daimler-Chrysler announced that every 2007 Dodge Ram diesel coming off the assembly line at the company’s Fenton, Missouri north plant will be fueled with B5, a blend containing 5 percent biodiesel made from soybeans grown …
Ram Stuff
DaimlerChrysler and the National Biodiesel Board are promising a “new breed of St. Louis Ram.” Look for a big announcement on Tuesday when representatives will discuss new programs to promote modern, clean diesel vehicles and the benefits of renewable biodiesel fuel. The diesel Dodge Ram is produced in St. Louis.
Honda Develops “Practical” Biomass Ethanol Process
Honda Motors and a Japanese-based research company says they have developed the world’s first practical process for producing ethanol from cellulosic biomass. According to a news release, Honda and partner Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth, or RITE, the new method allows large volumes of ethanol to be produced from widely available waste wood, leaves and other so-called …
Factory Fresh with Biodiesel Blend
According to the National Biodiesel Board, Chrysler Group has announced that the first diesel-powered, full-size sport utility vehicle offered in the United States will be shipped from the factory with B5, a blend containing 5 percent biodiesel. The Jeep® Grand Cherokee CRD’s B5 factory fueling builds on a similar program implemented with the company’s Jeep Liberty CRD. The 2007 Jeep …
It’s What Michigan Wants
Michigan-based retailer Meijer opened its first E85 ethanol fueling station this week in Warren, MI. According to a company release, the pump is one of 20 which will be installed at Meijer gas stations across the state before the end of this year. In April, Meijer, General Motors, CleanFUEL USA and the State of Michigan announced a collaborative partnership to …
Focus on Ford in London
Ford has been generating ethanol excitement this week at the British International Motor Show in London with its Ford Focus FFVs. Ford announced that UK supermarket giant Morrison’s – which recently became the first retailer to sell “bio-ethanol” – became the proud owner of the 1,000,000th Ford Focus FFV sold in the country. The company also announced that the Focus …
Toyota “Considering” FFVs
While all of the “Big Three” U.S. car makers are pushing their lines of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on up to 85 percent ethanol, Toyota continues to mull it over. A press release this week quoted Toyota Motor North America president Jim Press saying, Toyota is strongly considering introducing a flex-fuel vehicle program in the U.S. “We’re already …
Big 3 FFV Promise
DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation have announced plans to double the annual production of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) to two million by the year 2010. According to an Illinois Corn Growers release, the auto manufacturers pledged this commitment last week in a letter addressed to members of Congress signed by Chrysler Group President and CEO, Tom LaSorda, …