(Mon 23 Jan 06)

DaimlerChrysler will expand the use of biodiesel fuel by approving the use of B20 (20% biodiesel) in 2007 model year Dodge Ram pickups in the US. At first, DaimlerChrysler is approving use of B20 only in Dodge Rams equipped with Cummins diesel engines for its military, government and commercial fleet customers, but the company is working on a national fuel standard that would make B20 an option for all owners of Ram pickups.

"Biofuels represent a huge opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and our dependence on foreign oil," said Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda.

Promoting the increased use of biodiesel is a part of DaimlerChrylser's campaign to re-introduce diesel-powered vehicles to US customers. "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," added LaSorda.

Most US biodiesel is made from soya 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.

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% 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.

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