General Motors Commits to Biodiesel

Detroit April 6, 2010; The National Biodiesel Board's The Biodiesel Bulletin reported that General Motors is the latest OEM to show support for a 20 percent blend of biodiesel (B20) in its diesel vehicles. Company officials announced to biodiesel supporters at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo that its 2011 model year Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engines will be fully compatible with B20. That covers all 2011 GM heavy-duty products including Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana.

GM joins Ford and Chrysler in formalizing its support for B20, providing a big boost to the biodiesel industry. These three companies produce more than 80 percent of the diesel light vehicles sold in North America.

"B20 capability in our new heavy-duty trucks is the latest addition to a growing number of alternate fuel options offered by General Motors," said Mike Robinson, Vice President, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. "We are seeking different paths to fuel solutions in order to maximize efficiency, reduce emissions and minimize the dependence on petroleum."

The National Biodiesel Board and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory spent more than $10 million to test B20 during the last five years to ensure the fuel's compatibility in new diesel engines and after-treatment technology.