Speaking at the Renewable Fuel Assoc.’s annual conference, DaimlerChrysler President and CEO Tom LaSorda said that the company plans to sell more than 250,000 flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on E85 (85 percent ethanol) fuel and plans to expand that to nearly 500,000 vehicles beginning in the 2008 model year. Beginning in 2007 all Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee retail and fleet buyers who select the 4.7-liter engine option will receive vehicles capable of running on E85 fuel. Additional FFV capable cars that will be available in 2007 include some models of the Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible, the Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram pickups and the Durango SUV, as well as the Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans. Chrysler FFVs use a patented sensor system to determine the exact content of the fuel, and the transition is bolstered by a calibration system that determines the concentration of ethanol in the gasoline and adjusts for optimum operational efficiency. In addition, beginning this fall, the company will test use of B20 (20 percent biodiesel) in its Dodge Ram heavy-duty diesel pickup trucks.
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