DaimlerChrysler has sold nearly 1.5 million flexible fuel vehicles capable of running on E85 since 1998. From the 2008 model year the company said it will produce nearly 500,000 flexible fuel vehicles each year for sale in the US.
Current vehicles capable of running on E85 fuel are:
- Dodge Stratus/Chrysler Sebring with the 2.7-litre engine
- Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan with the 3.3-litre engine
- Dodge Durango and Dodge Ram 1500 with the 4.7-litre engine
DaimlerChrysler is also promoting use of biodiesel, a fuel made from the vegetable oils from crops such as soybeans. Biodiesel can replace conventional diesel fuel, reducing dependence on oil. The Jeep® Liberty CRD diesel-powered SUV is filled with B5 (five percent biodiesel) fuel at the assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio, and B5 is approved for use by all Jeep Liberty diesel customers.
Beginning with the 2007 model year, the company will approve use of B20 (20% biodiesel) fuel in Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty diesel pickup trucks operated by government, military and commercial fleets. The company said it is working with industry partners to establish a national standard that would enable all diesel vehicle owners to use B20 fuel.
Separately Toyota is reported to be planning to sell ethanol-powered vehicles in the US by 2008. The Financial Times reported that the company is developing flexible fuel vehicles for Brazil first. It said Toyota has focused on hybrid technology and avoid flexible fuel technology because of concerns over the corrosive effect of ethanol on rubber seals in the engine.
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By GlobalData