SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, Jan 31, 2006 -- MARKET WIRE

 

According to the editors of the Green Car Journal, ethanol motor fuel is picking up momentum and could be on its way to becoming a truly successful fuel alternative for millions of vehicles that otherwise run on gasoline. That's saying a lot considering the challenges that have always faced alternative fuels, including higher cost than gasoline, uncertain supplies, few fueling stations, and limited numbers of vehicles able to run on fuels other than those derived from petroleum.

"What's changed is the auto industry's commitment to promoting ethanol as a motor fuel, and the government's realization that ethanol presents a unique opportunity to incorporate a substantial volume of renewable fuel into our nation's vehicle fuel supply," says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal. "Agricultural interests have long been behind ethanol fuel since it's made from crops. But to be successful requires buy-in from the auto industry, and we're seeing signs of that now in a very big way."

In recent years, over 4 million conventional vehicles have been sold that can operate on any combination of gasoline or E85 ethanol (a fuel mix of 85% ethanol/15% gasoline) in the same tank. Automakers do this because of the additional credits earned toward federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements for each alternative fuel vehicle sold. Now, many volume vehicles with specific engines -- like the 3.3-liter Dodge Caravan or the 5.4-liter Ford F-150 -- come with flexible-fuel capability as a matter of course. A total of 21 sedan, pickup, and SUV models from DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and GM are available with flexible-fuel capability or can be ordered that way in many states.

"The missing link is a widespread ethanol fueling infrastructure for these vehicles," points out Cogan, "plus the outreach needed to educate drivers of these millions of vehicles that they can fuel up with a renewable fuel rather than gasoline, if pumps are available in their areas." Both Ford and GM are now partnering with agricultural interests, ethanol producers, and government agencies to expand the fueling infrastructure and educate drivers about using this fuel.

Green Car Journal, an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine that focuses on the intersection of autos, energy, and the environment, offers regular coverage of ethanol and other alternative fuels like hydrogen and biodiesel in its quarterly issues. The magazine's Winter 2005 issue features the ethanol-powered Saab 9-5 BioPower, a model that's presently sold as an alternative fuel vehicle in Europe but not yet here in the States. The magazine's coming Spring 2006 issue will offer special focus on ethanol.

Green Car Journal Online (www.greencar.com), the print magazine's companion online website, features extensive content on alternative fuels, hybrids, advanced diesels, low emission and high fuel economy vehicles, and advanced technologies that contribute to energy security and reduce the automobile's impact on the environment. The Green Car industry newsletter, published since 1992, is a trusted source of industry news and analysis in the auto, energy, and technology fields.

Recently, Green Car Journal worked with a highly respected panel of jurors from the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Ocean Futures Society, and auto icons like Carroll Shelby, Paul MacCready, and Mario Andretti to select the first-ever Green Car of the Year, the 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. This ongoing program will continue to identify environmental leadership in the auto industry.

Additional information on Green Car Journal can be found at www.greencar.com.

SOURCE: Green Car Journal

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