Volvo launches flex-fuel vehicles in Thailand

Volvo is launching two flex-fuel vehicles in Thailand, the C30 1.8F and S80 2.5FT. Both models can operate on gasoline and ethanol blends up to E85 (a blend of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol). Volvo will import the C30 1.8F, but will produce the S80 2.5FT locally, making it Thailand’s first and only locally produced flex-fuel car. The two models made their public sales debut during Motor Expo 2008 from November 28 to December 10. In a bid to reduce its dependency on imported fuels, Thailand has recently decided to promote the production of E85, using locally produced ethanol from various agricultural commodities such as sugar and tapioca. (December 1, 2008)