AUBURN HILLS, MI – DaimlerChrysler has expanded the use of biodiesel fuel by approving use of B-20 in Dodge Ram pickup trucks effective with the 2007-model year. The measure requires use of biodiesel fuel that meets the fuel specifications established by the U.S. military. Initially, DaimlerChrysler is approving use of B-20 in Dodge Ram pickups equipped with Cummins diesel engines for its military, government, and commercial fleet customers only. The company is working with the government, automotive suppliers, energy providers, universities, and independent agencies on a national fuel standard that would make B-20 an option for all owners of Dodge Ram diesels. DaimlerChrysler has also announced plans to market vehicles this year equipped with BlueTec, a portfolio of emission technologies that will enable diesel vehicles to meet the toughest environmental standards. Chrysler Group has previously endorsed use of B-5 fuel in the Jeep Liberty CRD diesel SUV, and every vehicle is fueled with B-5 at the assembly plant in Toledo. In addition, use of B-2 is approved for the diesel-powered Dodge Sprinter vans. Most U.S. biodiesel is made from soy beans. However, DaimlerChrysler is participating in research programs in Germany and India to develop processes for producing high-quality biodiesel from non-food agricultural products. In the United States, Chrysler Group is participating in an extensive biodiesel research program, including development of a national B-20 specification. The research partnership includes Detroit-based nonprofit NextEnergy, Biodiesel Industries, the nation’s largest chain of biodiesel refineries, automotive suppliers Bosch, Delphi, and Cummins, along with researchers based at Wayne State and Michigan State universities, with initial work to include much-needed research and field testing of biodiesel fuels.