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Magdeburg Environmental Forum: DaimlerChrysler and UNEP Stress the Importance of Biofuels


November 2005
 Filed under: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATE Car News | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATE Headlines
Stuttgart/Magdeburg, Nov 17, 2005 -- The Magdeburg Environmental Forum came to a close today. This year’s forum was the fourth since 1999 that DaimlerChrysler AG and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have hosted as a discussion platform for addressing the issue of sustainable mobility for the future. Experts from politics, business and the sciences met to take part in two days of discussions focusing on concepts, technologies and solutions in a global context.
* DaimlerChrysler and UNEP jointly announce their commitment to ensuring the availability and sustainable use of biofuels

* Dr. Thomas Weber: “Sustainable mobility requires investments in innovative technologies.”

* Prof. Klaus Töpfer: “We can already now reduce harmful emissions for example by using biofuel blends.”

In a joint statement made by DaimlerChrysler and UNEP in Magdeburg, the automaker and the environmental organization declared that they intend to work in the interest of sustainable mobility by supporting activities that will more thoroughly exploit the potential of biofuels than has been the case to date. DaimlerChrysler is committed to creating the technologies that will ensure vehicles can run on fuels with up to ten percent admixtures of biodiesel or bioethanol. Until now, it has been possible to fill up with fuels with a five percent admixture content. Together with other automakers and oil companies, UNEP and DaimlerChrysler also intend to bring about an adjustment in the corresponding fuel standards and the creation of appropriate incentives for the use of biofuels. What’s more, both partners are working to ensure the sustainable development of biofuel production. This will include launching an initiative for establishing a seal of sustainability for biomass, much like the FSC seal for wood.

Dr. Thomas Weber, the member of the DaimlerChrysler Board of Management responsible for Research and Technology and head of Development at the Mercedes Car Group, said that consistent policy-making on the part of politicians is an essential precondition for the appropriate use of funding in the interest of sustainable mobility. “In order to effectively exploit resources in research and development in a way that ensures maximum benefits for our environment and for society, we need conclusive, harmonious laws and regulations that reach beyond international boundaries and across continents,” he stated. Discussions should not be restricted to fuel and emission limits, Weber added, as comprehensive concepts are indispensable if fuel consumption and emissions are to be cut in a sustainable way. “To realize these aims, all of the parties involved will need to make significant contributions,” continued Weber. This work includes the development of low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles, availability of environmentally friendly fuels, driving behavior that conserves resources, and laws and regulations that will create suitable conditions overall, and especially in the area of traffic infrastructure.

“We must develop leaner and cleaner drive systems alongside less polluting fuels and alternative modes of transport. But we can already now reduce harmful emissions from individual vehicle transport for example by using biofuel blends. Developing countries, such as Brazil, are already spearheading the way in this field,” said Prof. Klaus Töpfer, Executive Director of UNEP. “This dialogue forum provides a good opportunity to work out the technicalities on how to maximise the benefits and minimise the downsides.”

Dr. Michael J. Inacker, Vice President of External Affairs and Public Policy at DaimlerChrysler, pointed out that the principles of sustainable development are central elements of social responsibility: “Mobility is one of society’s basic needs. And securing this mobility for future generations, given the finite supply of fossil fuels, is a social responsibility and challenge that all stakeholders, and especially automakers, must face up to.” UNEP and DaimlerChrysler use the Magdeburg Environmental Forum to support sustainable mobility, to ensure the further development of concepts and technologies, and to provide a shared platform for experts, politicians, associations and industry, thereby promoting ongoing dialogue between all parties involved. More than 250 politicians, scientists and representatives of industry participated in this year’s forum. International experts gave presentations and took part in discussions focusing on the conditions and outlook for the future of sustainable mobility from a global perspective. Workshops held at the event addressed issues such as the improvement of air quality in mega-cities, the potential of alternative and renewable fuels, and the legal and regulatory framework needed to ensure sustainable mobility.

Source: DaimlerChrysler

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