last updated 31st March 05
by 4ecotips.com

The first major initiative from a joint research agreement

Volkswagen is to extend warranty protection for the use of biodiesel blend fuel in all of its US market diesel-powered automobiles.

The announcement represents the first major initiative to emerge from a joint research agreement on biodiesel established by Volkswagen in partnership with Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) last year.

The warranty protection, which covers biodiesel "B5" blends of up to five per cent, marks what the company says is a significant milestone in the development of a national market for biofuels in the US.

“Our decision to extend warranty coverage for diesel engines fuelled by the B5 biodiesel blend is driven by the shared desire of VW and ADM to capitalize on the significant environmental, economic and quality-related benefits of increased biodiesel usage,” says Frank Witter, chief executive of Volkswagen in the US.

He added that the two companies are now testing a blend of 20 per cent biodiesel, or “B20”.

The B5 follows a year of extensive testing and development in cooperation with ADM, along with discussions with the biodiesel industry about technical specifications required for the fuel to be compatible with current and future diesel technology.