For all the criticism lobbied against U.S. automakers, there is one area where the American car makers take the lead: FFVs. Flexible fuel vehicles [FFV, which are powered by a fuel comprised of up to 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, are produced and marketed by American manufacturers at volumes greater than their Asian or European competitors combined.

DaimlerChrysler?s list includes their Town & Country and Caravan minivans, the Ram pickup truck, and the Stratus and Sebring sedans. Ford?s Taurus, Explorer and Ranger are the blue oval?s FFVs while for GM, various pick up trucks and SUVs make up their offerings. Isuzu, Mazda, Mercedes, Volvo, and Nissan all produce FFVs, while Honda and Toyota do not.

Share This

All the talk about gas-electric hybrid vehicles is overlooking another area where fuel economy can be realized. No, I am not talking about diesel engines and I am not even thinking about hydrogen power. Instead, corn powered vehicles are coming into their own. That?s right, ethanol, a fuel that has a history going back a full century, may be the fuel of the future. Is ethanol a good choice for a fuel source? I?ll let you be the judge of that!

Share This