Grainnet

Chrysler Foundation Supports Michigan's Alternative Fuels Industry With $150,000 Donation to NextEnergy

Auburn, Hills, MI--The Chrysler Foundation announced Nov. 12 plans to donate $150,000 to NextEnergy, Inc., in support of the organization's alternative fuel testing program.

NextEnergy, based in Detroit, was founded to encourage alternative energy technologies that positively contribute to economic competitiveness, energy security, and the environment.

"This grant is an extension of Chrysler's commitment to being a good neighbor in all the places where we build and sell our vehicles," said Frank Fountain, Senior Vice President -- External Affairs and Public Policy for Chrysler LLC.

"It's a priority for Chrysler to increase the use of alternative fuels by investing in research into biodiesel technology and helping to develop industry standards for biodiesel fuel."

The alternative fuel testing platform allows fuels to be tested for their stability and efficiency before trying them out in vehicles or other power generators.

The fuel testing platform can also be used to advance the development of hydrogen and natural gas as alternative fuels.

"Chrysler's commitment to creating new fueling options has helped move automotive applications for alternative energies to a new level," said Jim Croce, CEO of NextEnergy.

"With The Chrysler Foundation's grant, we have been able to complete a testing platform that helps check out the viability of new bio and synthetic fuels as they progress from concept to use in vehicles and power generators."

Chrysler LLC is also a partner in two additional projects now underway at NextEnergy, the National Biodiesel Energy Lab (NBEL) and a biofuels infrastructure program through the U.S. Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

The National Biodiesel Energy Lab (NBEL) is developing standards for biodiesel use in vehicles.

A national standard is necessary to allow OEM's to warranty their vehicles for use with B5 to B20 fuels.

NBEL is also working to develop the next generation of biodiesel fuels and involves research along the fuel's whole life, from agricultural seed research all the way to vehicle testing in the field.

The Department of Labor & Economic Growth project is an initiative to expand biofuel infrastructure throughout the country.

As a partner with NextEnergy, Chrysler is providing cost-sharing support to assist in expanding the number of biofuel pumps throughout Michigan.

For more information, call Katie Hepler at 248-512-2927, 248-890-8423, or Max Gates at 248-512-2688, 248-835-6272.