 |
Ford / Maxol Bio-Ethanol Initiative Launched
2005-10-03 - By ciaran
Maxol, Ireland's leading independent oil company owned by the McMullan family and Ford Ireland, announced the launch of Ireland's first bio-ethanol car, the Ford Focus FFV, and the opening by Maxol of the country's first bio-ethanol fuelling pump at its Beach Road service station in Sandymount, Dublin 4.
This partnership has been in development for a number of months and will be initially undertaken in a controlled pilot programme basis among fleet customers in the Dublin area. Based on the success of this it is planned that the fuel will become more widely available in the coming months.
The Ford Focus is Ireland's best selling car and the FlexiFuel (FFV) version is capable of running on any mixture of petrol or E85 bio-ethanol, from a single tank, with no reduction in performance. Importantly, this allows the car to run even in areas where bio-ethanol outlets have not been established. As part of this cooperation, the Ford Focus FFV, which will be available in Right Hand Drive this November, will be tested by potential fleet customers with a view to creating a 'critical mass' of cars which would in turn justify a national fuel distribution network.
Ford is the only volume manufacturer of bio-ethanol cars in Europe, with over 15,000 units sold. In Sweden, 80% of Ford Focus units sold are Flexi Fuel models with introductory programmes taking place in markets across Europe. 220 fuel stations in Sweden currently supply bio-ethanol. This is expected to reach 600 next year. In addition to excise exemption on the fuel, drivers of FFV benefit from lower company car tax and enjoy free parking in many Swedish cities.
Maxol is conscious of the benefits to the consumer of using environmentally friendly fuel such as bio-ethanol. The fuel provides an overall saving in CO2 emissions of up to 70% compared to the petrol equivalent. The bio-ethanol is manufactured from whey, which is a milk derivative and sourced locally in Ireland from the Carbery Group. The benefits of alternative renewable energy are extensive and should be exploited in all aspects of daily life. Maxol commends the Government for the two year derogation on duty tax on bio-fuel products, and in kick starting the country's programme in meeting the EU Directives in relation to bio-fuel consumption targets. These targets require biofuels to account for 2% of current fuel consumption by the end of 2005, 5.75% by 2010 and 20% by 2020.
Ford's development of FFV vehicles and their concern for the development of a better environment is crucial to the success of this venture:
"We are now in a position to serve the Irish market with an environmentally friendly car that presents a sound business case to customers," comments Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. "The Government has already taken positive steps to support environmentally friendly vehicles. Applying the same tax here, this car could retail at ca €20,000."
Noel McMullan, a Director of the Maxol Group, said: -
"Maxol has always had the vision and commitment to back the development of new technology which has the potential of giving Ireland an alternative renewable energy which is environmentally beneficial. Bio-ethanol is a product which can assist in part replacing fossil fuels in a mix of fuel which not only promotes lower CO2 emissions but the production of which can support a new industry in Ireland.
We are pleased to cooperate with Ford in this matter and believe that the project can develop in the future. Ford and Maxol have invested here in a technology of real economic and environmental promise. We are pleased to be a part of an early Government initiative to promote cleaner fuels in Ireland. The Swedish example shows how quickly bio-ethanol can become a reality for the everyday motorist."
|
|
|
Send to a friend
// -->