NFU president encourages green vehicle concept to move into top gear

Peter Kendall, NFU President, will drive forward his plans for bio-fuelled vehicles today at the Royal Welsh Show as he brings the world’s first fossil fuel free hybrid Saab car onto the showground.

Mr Kendall said, “We’ve been championing farmers as one of the answers to climate change and a source of secure energy reserves for some time now. It looks like there is real commitment from a couple of major motor manufacturers including Saab and Ford to get this industry off the ground.

“Both these companies have clearly seen the advantages of producing vehicles which will make use of the green fuels that are now available, such as bioethanol and biodiesel. All petrol and diesel sold in the UK has the potential to contain up to 5% bioethanol and biodiesel, and this investment decision should create a momentum to include even higher proportions of green fuels in the blend.”

The Saab BioPower Estate car that Mr Kendall will be driving to the Royal Welsh Show is the world’s first fossil fuel free hybrid, which can run on one of the most talked about new transport fuels of the moment - bioenthanol. Saab have kindly agreed to loan the car to Mr Kendall for one year.

Mr Kendall said, “Farmers want to contribute and renewable energy from farmland provides a lot of answers for the country. There is no doubt that the development of greener fuels is a great business opportunity and farming is a modern dynamic business which is eager to be involved.”