THAILAND: Toyota eyes E85 cars

9 June 2008 | Source: just-auto.com editorial team

Toyota Motor Thailand expects to start marketing its first E85-fuelled vehicles in the local market within two years.

Vice chairman Ninnart Chaitheerapinyo said that other E85 models would be on the way in four years.

Vehicles using the blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline would consume about 30% more fuel, but motorists would save money since ethanol feedstock, mainly molasses and tapioca, can be locally sourced, The Nation newspaper reported.

Ninnart said the investment needed to make E85 vehicles was also far less than for eco-cars since only certain engines and parts need to be adapted. E85 cars will be highly attractive if the price of E85 fuel is Bt15-Bt17 per litre cheaper than today's petrol, he added.