Making Ethanol Work

November 2006 (Medialink) -- With the recent run up in gas prices and the lingering war in the Middle East, there has been talk of renewable energy sources to power our cars and trucks. Ethanol, a biofuel, can be produced not only from corn, but sugar cane, switch grass, and wood. And using it, instead of gasoline, decreases the amount of pollutants a car emits.

But the question remains, "Are there any cars that can run on it?" Brazil started an ethanol program. Recently, Brazil introduced flex fuel vehicles. These vehicles can run both with ethanol, gasoline, ethanol and gasoline in any blend. So these vehicles can be used anywhere.

Sweden is also dedicated to reducing its dependence on oil. Their ethanol comes from wood products. Flex fuel vehicle owners get special incentives to buy and drive ethanol capable vehicles. In fact, Swedish automaker Saab now sells over 85% of its popular 9-5 model with flex fuel engines.

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Produced for General Motors