Saab and Queensland promote ethanol

Saab has supplied a 9-3 BioPower Sport Sedan to the Queensland Government as a tool to promote the uptake of ethanol fuel. The car in question runs an E85 engine, signifying it will run on a blend of up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol -- or any other blend containing a higher petrol content.

For Queensland, the E85 Saab represents an opportunity to sell ethanol produced by the state's sugar cane farmers, and for Saab the promotional vehicle showcases the company's commitment to a renewable source of energy that's also greener than the fossil fuels that power most cars on the road.

The Swedish importer plans for its entire local model range to be flex-fuel-capable for this year -- meaning all engines powering locally-delivered Saabs will be compatible with E85 ('flex') fuel. To date, the 9-3 BioPower, which will play a part in Greenfest 2009, has covered 5500km, touring TAFE facilities for the enlightenment of apprentice motor mechanics.

In addition to Greenfest 2009, the Saab will appear at the EKKA Queensland Show in August, with further appearances planned for V8 Supercar races (Townsville, Willowbank and the Gold Coast), plus the Ayr Centenary Show in July and a visit to the CSR ethanol production facility in Sarina. CSR produces E85 that generates less than half the CO2 emissions of petrol, when combusted.

E85 -- a fuel Holden also sees in its future -- has not caught the public's imagination the way LPG and diesel have. Despite being renewable and emitting fewer CO2 emissions than the two fossil fuels, it has also been associated with food crops in the past and green interests have criticised ethanol as a fuel source that will inevitably increase the cost of food as demand for it increases.

And promotion of the fuel may be one of Saab's final acts -- although unlikely -- as the Swedish car maker faces extinction unless a buyer can be found for it. The Swedish government is supporting the car company in lieu of the parent company, General Motors (more here), but a new buyer is still being sought.

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