Auburn Hills, Michigan
October 24, 2007
Source:
Chrysler LLC via
Checkbiotech
Chrysler LLC has taken
its promotion of alternative fuels a step further this year by
planting soybeans at its Chelsea (Mich.) Proving Grounds. The
company’s 44-acre soybean crop will soon be harvested and sold
without profit for use in alternative fuel research. The crop,
planted in June, is located in areas on the proving grounds that
will not affect vehicle development. Additional acres may be
farmed next year, depending on the progression of alternative
fuel research.
Huehl Acres, a local company, is responsible for farming of the
soybeans. Owners Dennis and Jerry Huehl currently farm
approximately 1,000 acres in the Chelsea area.
Soybeans are used in the production of biodiesel, a clean
renewable fuel made from vegetable oils. Biodiesel can replace
conventional diesel fuel, lessening dependence on oil and
reducing tailpipe emissions pollutants. “Fuel grown on our land
here at the proving grounds could be used in our important
vehicle testing,” said Jeffrey Zyburt, Director of Proving
Grounds and Stress Lab for Chrysler. “And, this project is just
the example of the unique things we can do.”
Chrysler is committed to the research and development of
environmentally friendly alternative fuels. In a unique
partnership with Michigan State University (MSU), the company
has turned a former dump site in Michigan into a research lab
for the development of biofuels. Professor Kurt Thelen is
growing sunflowers, canola, switchgrass, corn and soybeans on
the brownfield site to research and develop better renewable
fuels and to study whether viable fuel crops can be grown on
former industrial sites all over the country.
In addition, Chrysler is collaborating with NextEnergy, Inc. and
Biodiesel Industries, Inc. to develop advance renewable fuels
for the future. The partners focus on research targeting
biodiesel fuel development and technical innovation, as well as
the development and refinement of industry standards for the
rapidly growing biodiesel industry.
Detroit-based NextEnergy is a non-profit organization created by
the state of Michigan to advance the alternative energy
technology industry in Michigan. Biodiesel Industries,
headquartered in Santa Barbara, Calif., operates the largest
network of biodiesel production facilities in the nation.
Chrysler is the industry leader in supporting the development of
national standard B20, or 20 percent biodiesel fuel. In order
for the industry to produce, sell and warranty vehicles that run
on B20, a strong national standard is critical. Research
organizations such as NextEnergy are bringing us closer to
reaching that goal in 2007.
The company’s passenger diesel vehicles are delivered factory
fueled with B5, or 5 percent biodiesel. In addition, Chrysler
has approved the use of B20 in 2007 Dodge Ram vehicles for
commercial, government and military fleets. The company’s diesel
lineup includes the Jeep® Grand Cherokee (3.0-liter engine),
Dodge Ram (6.7-liter engine) and Dodge Sprinter (3.0-liter
engine).
In 2007, Chrysler will produce more than 250,000 flexible-fuel
vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on E85 fuel, conventional
gasoline or any combination of the two fuels. The company’s FFV
fleet will increase to nearly 500,000 in 2008. The FFV lineup
includes:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Durango and
Chrysler Aspen SUVs (4.7-liter engine)
- Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota pickups (4.7-liter engine)
- Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sedan (2.7-liter engine)
- Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans
(3.3-liter engine)
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