Biodiesel

Joint exploration of the potential for a biodiesel industry based on Jatropha

Stuttgart -- Jan 09, 2008 -- Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Bayer CropScience AG and Daimler AG plan to jointly explore the potential for a biodiesel industry based on Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.). A respective Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the companies. Jatropha, a tropical plant from the Euphorbia family, is seen by the three cooperating partners as a promising alternative energy feedstock for the production of biodiesel.

Biodiesel derived from Jatropha nut kernels has properties similar to those of biofuels obtained from oilseed rapes. It is also characterized by a positive CO2 balance and can thus contribute to protecting the climate.

Stuttgart – Daimler AG is redoubling its ongoing efforts to achieve a drastic reduc­tion in the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of commercial vehicles. The world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer has launched an initiative called "Shaping Future Transportation" which underlines this commitment and is now presenting 16 trucks and buses under the Freightliner, Mitsubishi Fuso, Mercedes-Benz, Orion and Thomas Built Buses brands – both vehicles already in customer operation and world debuts in the field of alternative drive systems and alternative fuels.

Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 22, 2007 - Chrysler LLC has taken its promotion of alternative fuels a step further this year by planting soybeans at its Chelsea (Mich.) Proving Grounds.

The company’s 44-acre soybean crop will soon be harvested and sold without profit for use in alternative fuel research. The crop, planted in June, is located in areas on the proving grounds that will not affect vehicle development. Additional acres may be farmed next year, depending on the progression of alternative fuel research.

Huehl Acres, a local company, is responsible for farming of the soybeans. Owners Dennis and Jerry Huehl currently farm approximately 1,000 acres in the Chelsea area.