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January 25,
2006
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Initially, DaimlerChrysler is approving use of B20 in Dodge Ram pickups equipped with Cummins diesel engines for its military, government and commercial fleet customers only. The company is working with the government, automotive suppliers, energy providers, universities and independent agencies on a national fuel standard that would make B20 an option for all owners of Dodge Ram diesels. "Biofuels represent a huge opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and our dependence on foreign oil," said Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda in remarks prepared for the Economic Club of Detroit Jan. 23 meeting. In addition, biofuels reduce overall emissions of greenhouse gases and tailpipe emissions of particulates and smog-forming compounds. And use of biofuels supports the American agricultural economy. Promoting increased use of biodiesel is a part of DaimlerChrysler's campaign to re-introduce diesel-powered passenger vehicles to U.S. consumers. Modern, clean diesel vehicles offer fuel economy improvements of 30 percent and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, compared with gas-powered vehicles. At the same time, diesel vehicles provide the power and performance valued by American consumers. "While diesel technology alone can make big strides toward helping us meet our national energy, environment and security objectives, when you add biodiesel and other biofuels, it gets really interesting" LaSorda said. DaimlerChrysler has also announced plans to market vehicles this year equipped with BlueTec, a portfolio of emission technologies that will enable diesel vehicles to meet the toughest environmental standards. "The Mercedes E320 full-size sedan, powered by a six-cylinder BLUETEC diesel engine, will be the cleanest diesel in the world," LaSorda said. Chrysler Group has previously endorsed use of B5 (5 percent biodiesel) fuel in the Jeep® Liberty CRD diesel SUV, and every vehicle is fueled with B5 at the assembly plant in Toledo. In addition, use of B2 is approved for the diesel-powered Dodge Sprinter vans. Most U.S. biodiesel is made from soy beans. However, DaimlerChrysler is participating in research programs in Germany and India to develop processes for producing high-quality biodiesel from non-food agricultural products. In the United States, Chrysler Group is participating in an extensive biodiesel research program, including development of a national B20 specification. The research partnership includes Detroit-based nonprofit NextEnergy; Biodiesel Industries, the nation's largest chain of biodiesel refineries; automotive suppliers Bosch, Delphi and Cummins, along with researchers based at Wayne State and Michigan State universities, with initial work to include much-needed research and field testing of biodiesel fuels. Chrysler Group is also working with Michigan State researchers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to re-use a brownfield site in the Detroit area to produce crops for biodiesel research and development programs. Chrysler Group is further supporting use of renewable biofuels with approximately 1.5 million Flex Fuel vehicles now in use that are capable of running on E85 (85 percent ethanol) fuel made with corn. For the 2006 model year, Flex Fuel versions of the Dodge Ram 1500, Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring sedans, Dodge Durango and Dodge and Chrysler minivans are available to fleet customers. "Biofuels are proof that at least part of the solution to our energy, environment and national security issues can be homegrown," LaSorda said. (Jan 20, 2006)
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