South American Policy

In Brazil, our largest South American market, the use of biofuels is a national policy, with 100 percent of gasoline blended with 20 to 25 percent ethanol, and extensive use of pure ethanol as motor fuel. Most new vehicles are designed to accommodate varying amounts of ethanol. A minimum of 5 percent biodiesel must be added to diesel. Emission requirements are periodically updated by an emissions-control program. A voluntary fuel economy labeling program is also in place. A star ranking for light vehicles was recently introduced, favoring low-emission, low-carbon-dioxide (CO₂), ethanol, flexible-fuel or hybrid vehicles. Diesel use in light vehicles under a one-ton payload is not allowed, except for combined-usage vehicles with special off-road characteristics. The government is also studying incentives for hybrids and electric vehicles. The federal, state and municipal environmental bodies are expected to issue their Vehicle Pollution Control Plan by June 30, 2011, and implement an In-Use Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program by April 25, 2012.

Other South American countries, such as Argentina and Colombia, are also significantly increasing the use of biofuels. Chile will introduce a mandatory fuel economy labeling program by September 2011, which will provide information on fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Ford has supported the region‘s biofuels initiatives since the 1970s and offers a wide range of vehicles capable of running on 100 percent ethanol. We also provide light- and heavy-duty vehicles that meet biodiesel requirements.