Chrysler, ZeaChem Inc. Join to Speed Production of Advanced Cellulosic Ethanol

Chrysler Group and ZeaChem Inc. announced on Aug. 15 the formation of a strategic alliance to accelerate the development and market adoption of advanced cellulosic ethanol.

The companies said their goal are to strengthen the credibility among regulators and American consumers of cellulosic ethanol as a cost-effective green transportation alternative; move away from the "food for fuel debate;" provide a leadership role to bring cellulosic ethanol through the production value chain to the consumer market; and build awareness of the potential environmental advantages of high yield, low carbon cellulosic ethanol.

"Our process delivers a 40% higher yield in ethanol from non-food cellulosic feedstocks," said Jim Imbler, CEO of ZeaChem. "Through strategic alliances we can fast-track the large-scale production of cellulosic ethanol."

Chrysler sees this alliance as way to further promote "the consumption of alternative fuels and to deliver flex-fuel vehicles to our customers," according to Reg Modlin, director, regulatory affairs, Chrysler Group LLC.