The major vehicle manufacturers all around the world must be really scratching their heads
about what fuel-type cars to build in this current fuel crisis atmosphere.

Everyone thought that diesel was a fairly safe alternative – and it was growing in popularity
until the recent price hikes brought it back down to rest of the field.

Ethanol is a viable substitute but the problem here is the continuity of supply. Many producers
are already at capacity.

There are also long-term concerns about the growth in ethanol use because, while the relatively low current level means it can be produced from agricultural by- products, any increase in demand could force producers to use food crops. World leaders are already turning their minds to this.

In a recent industry publication in Australia, the former head of Government research facility – CSIRO – made
the comment that ethanol made from sugar cane was an excellent alternative fuel, both economically and environmentally, with the potential to replace up to 10
per cent of Australia’s dependence on oil.