Uh, interesting. I like it, I think.

Chrysler project promotes alternative fuels research

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)

Chrysler LLC is dedicated to protecting the health of its communities, natural resources and global environment. The company addresses environmental challenges by working continuously to improve the environmental performance of its products and operations.

The company supports the development of advanced sustainable technologies and is an industry leader in promoting the use of alternative fuels.