Support for biodiesel continues to grow as both Enterprise Holdings Inc. and General Motors Corp. unveiled big news at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo.
GM told biodiesel supporters that the company's 2011 model year Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engines will be fully compatible with B20. The news covers all 2011 GM heavy-duty products including Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.
GM joined Ford and Chrysler in formalizing its support for B20. The three companies produce more than 80 percent of the light diesel vehicles sold in North America.
"B20 capability in our new heavy-duty trucks is the latest addition to a growing number of alternate fuel options offered by General Motors," said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of environment, energy and safety policy. "We are seeking different paths to fuel solutions in order to maximize efficiency, reduce emissions and minimize the dependence on petroleum."
North America's largest car rental company, Enterprise Holdings, announced plans to convert airport shuttle buses in nine markets to 20 percent biodiesel. The move is a first step toward the company's goal of converting its entire bus fleet to B20 over the next five years.
The company expects to complete the conversion to B5 by spring, with at least 50 percent converted to B20 by the end of next year. Enterprise Holdings Inc. is the parent company for Alamo Rent-A-Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental.
"This investment in biodiesel follows our commitment to our customers and our business to use our fleet to help grow the clean fuel market," said Lee Broughton, director of corporate identity and sustainability for Enterprise Holdings. "By embracing alternative fuels and engine technologies they have greater opportunity to become commercially viable. Biodiesel's benefits to the environment support our commitment to environmental stewardship, as well as our sustainable approach to managing our business for long-term success."
As the largest biodiesel event in the nation, the conference is a great venue for major biodiesel news. Make plans now for Phoenix in 2011.
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