Announcement Touts "31 Flavors" of FFVs for '08

September 4, 2008: The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition announced today that 31 models of motor vehicles will be offered with an E85 capable engine in 2008.

Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan and Mercedes Benz will all offer flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) in the coming year.

“We are pleased to see so many popular models offered with a flexible fuel engine in 2008,” stated Executive Director of the NEVC Phil Lampert. “From a humble beginning of less than 500 FFVs in 1993, we expect that more than 750,000 such FFVs will be produced in the coming year. As we work to advance our national energy independence, we encourage consumers to consider the purchase of a flexible fuel vehicle that is capable of operating on regular unleaded gasoline or up to 85% ethanol.”

The following platforms will be produced as Flexible Fuel Vehicles during the 2008 Model Year (MY):

Chrysler
4.7L Chrysler Aspen
2.7L Chrysler Sebring Convertible & Sedan
3.3L Chrysler Town & Country
2.7L Dodge Avenger
4.7L Dodge Dakota
4.7L Dodge Durango
3.3L Dodge Grand Caravan
4.7L Dodge Ram
4.7L Jeep Commander & Grand Cherokee

Ford
4.6L Ford Crown Victoria (including taxi & police units)
5.4L Ford F-150
4.6L Mercury Grand Marquis

General Motors
3.5L & 3.9L Chevrolet Impala (including police units)
5.3L Chevrolet Avalanche & Silverado, GMC Sierra
5.3L Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana
5.3L Chevrolet Suburban & GMC Yukon XL
5.3L Chevrolet Tahoe & Police Package Tahoe, GMC Yukon
3.9L Chevrolet Uplander
3.9L Pontiac Montana (only available in Canada & Mexico)

Nissan
5.6L Nissan Armada
5.6L Nissan Titan

Mercedes Benz
3.0L Mercedes Benz C300 Luxury & Sport

Excluding the Chrysler Town and Country Minivan which will be available in all 50 states, model year 2008 Chrysler FFVs will not be available for purchase in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Nissan FFVs will be available only in select markets. Ford, GM and Mercedes Benz 2008 FFVs will be available in all 50 states.

Lampert added, “We are optimistic that during the course of the next several months, additional FFV platforms will be announced by our automaker members. As the production of such vehicles continues to grow, the NEVC and our partners across the nation continue to dedicate our efforts to the growth of E85 fueling facilities.”

Can the auto industry help build demand for cleaner-burning, domestically-produced biofuels?  I'd say a commitment to 31 new models goes a long way toward showing a legitimate dedication to flex fuel - the FIRST PHASE toward re-declaring independence in America.  31 flavors never tasted so good.

Here's to taking another step toward making OPEC fuel the "alternative" energy.

Bottoms-up,

John