I'm new to the list and this was my first posting so maybe I need to pose this a different way. I'm very interested in the potential widespread impact of biodiesel on U.S. fuel demand. The recent extension of tax credits previously enjoyed by ethanol should spur a significant increase in demand for biodiesel. Combined with no engine retrofit it becomes an easy way for mainstream people to begin to actively do something about managing their energy use.
Obstacles like the VW America difference of opinion on the ASTM spec versus the German DIN spec will only hold back adoption. Getting VW to agree to the U.S. standard or improving the quality of U.S. mass produced fuel is key. They are the only passenger car manufacturer actively promoting diesel engines and have the most diesel cars on the road. The 2006 Chrysler Jeep Liberty holds some promise as it will be the first non-truck U.S. diesel delivered with a biodiesel blend (even if it's only B5). I haven't seen any releases on the Biodiesel Board website on any efforts to work with the the vehicle manufacturers to work through these issues. Has anyone heard anything on this? The best source I've found is on the NAFTC website which is also a good source for links to a variety of alternative fuel web resources. http://www.nationalafvdayodyssey.org/links/automanufacturers.htm The old guard here is still protecting the petrol dominant stance in the U.S. (assisted by an oil man at the top of course). This is disconcerting since I'm used to a more innovation oriented push. The U.S. is so far behind the curve compared to what's been achieved in Europe. With accelerating demand for oil worldwide (China especially) economics will take over and continue to drive up prices. An energy conservation oriented mindset must somehow take hold. The excessive waste of energy in the U.S. is beyond comprehension. Something has to give and biodiesel combined with conservation is a good place to start. Mike ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Wagner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 5:29 PM Subject: [Biofuel] VW Response to US Engine Warrantee using Biodeisel > I submitted the following to VW and recieved the expected response. Unless > you're sipping from a European biodiesel pump the US engine warrantee is > considered void. Sounds like there's lots of work to be done to win them > over to the ASTM spec. Is there really that much of a difference between the > German DIN V 51606 standard versus ASTM D-6751? Sounds like I should > reconsider and look for an older Jetta TDI.... > > VW Customer Service, > I am considering purchasing a 2005 Passat TDI. I would like to use B20 > diesel fuel (20% biodiesel as an additive with 80% petrol diesel). Does > using this fuel have any affect on the powertrain warranty? I may also > consider eventually running on B100 (100% biodiesel). I understand that > these fuel types are in widespread use today in Germany. Thank you in > advance for you help. > > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2004 6:15 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Product Information > > > Dear Michael, > > Thank you for visiting the Volkswagen Web site. We appreciate your inquiry > on Volkswagen's position on using biodiesel fuel. > > B100 stands for 100% biodiesel. It is a diesel fuel derived from biomass > feedstock such as soybeans. It can be blended with regular diesel fuel (B20 > = 20% biodiesel/80% regular diesel, for example). In Europe our diesel > engines are certified to operate any blend of the biodiesel that is > available in Europe. European biodiesel is different than biodiesel in the > U.S. since it is produced from different feedstock (the rapeseed plant > versus the soy plant). > > Our parent company does not agree with the specifications for biodiesel in > the U.S. and does not recommend its use in any percentage. Using biodiesel > will invalidate our warranty. > > If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Volkswagen > Customer Care at 800-822-8987. > > Thank you for your submission. > > Kyle > Volktalk > > > _______________________________________________ > Biofuel mailing list > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > http://wwia.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi/biofuel > > Biofuel at Journey to Forever: > http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html > > Biofuel archives at Infoarchive.net (searchable): > http://infoarchive.net/sgroup/biofuel/ > _______________________________________________ Biofuel mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://wwia.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi/biofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuel archives at Infoarchive.net (searchable): http://infoarchive.net/sgroup/biofuel/
