Mannheim, May 8, 2007 ? CropEnergies AG, Mannheim, will be supporting filling stations who convert pumps to E85 ? a fuel for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) ? with a total of up to 250,000 ?, to promote the extension of the E85 filling station network in Germany.
At the sector's Trade Fair "Tankstelle und Mittelstand 2007? ("Filling station and medium-sized businesses"), which takes place on May 9th / 10th , 2007 in Münster, CropEnergies AG will be starting their campaign in which they will support modifications of up to 50 filling stations in Germany, which are interested in selling CropEnergies AG "CropPower85", by up to 5,000 ? each. Interested filling station operators can apply for this support until May 31, 2007; the necessary application forms can be obtained directly from CropEnergies AG.
CropPower85, the quality E85 fuel from CropEnergies AG, is made of 85% bioethanol from regenerative raw materials to which 15% petrol is blended. It contributes to security of fuel supplies and reduces emissions of CO2. CropPower85 was launched on the German market in February 2006 and is already available at 16 filling stations in Germany. With an octane number of over 110, CropPower85 is one of the most powerful fuels ever to have been available at a filling station. On account of the exemption from mineral oil tax, until the end of 2015 for the bioethanol contained in E85, this fuel is an economically-attractive alternative for consumers. Currently, the price for CropPower85 is roughly 35% below the market price for super petrol.
CropPower85 is only suitable for FFVs. These vehicles can be filled up with E85, with pure petrol or with any mixture of both. In Germany, both Ford and Saab already offer these vehicles. In addition to the models so far available, both Ford and Saab will expand their ranges in this sector. Other automobile manufacturers such as Renault, Peugeot, and Volvo will also be offering vehicles with FFV-technology in Germany.
The CropEnergies AG
The CropEnergies Group - a member of the Südzucker Group - is an established leading European producer of bioethanol for the fuel sector.
Crop stands for creative regeneration of power. Energy in the form of bioethanol is produced from renewable resources, grain and sugar beets. With subsidiaries in Germany, France, and Belgium, CropEnergies has established itself as a bioethanol producer in a growing market in just a few years and it operates todays largest bioethanol plant in Europe in Zeitz, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. CropEnergies considers itself a pioneer on the German bioethanol market and expands its market position in Europe. The shares of CropEnergies AG (ISIN DE000A0LAUP1) are listed in the Prime Standard at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.