Flexifuel vehicles run on alcohol (in the form of bioethanol), instead of petrol. Or, more precisely, the engine can run on E85 (E85 is a blend of 85% bioethanol and 15% unleaded petrol), or just simply petrol.

A Flexifuel engine can run on bioethanol (E85), petrol or any mixture of the two. So if you're running low on fuel, you can use petrol, should bioethanol not be available. The engine automatically detects which fuel is present and makes any necessary adjustments, so all you notice is smooth, powerful performance.

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Each time you turn the key in the ignition, a sensor tells the engine what’s in the tank and then adjusts its fuel injection accordingly.

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Bioethanol can be produced from a number of different renewable resources. The world's largest producer of bioethanol is Brazil, which produces 15 million litres a year, mainly from sugar cane. In the US, the main ingredient is maize, whereas in Sweden bioethanol production is a fast-growing industry that primarily uses waste products from forestry.

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That’s because bioethanol is what is known as a renewable fuel. This means the CO2 emitted when the fuel is burnt in the Flexifuel engine originated in a perpetual natural cycle; we simply ’borrow‘ CO2 from nature. The difference with fossil fuels such as diesel and petrol is that when these are burnt, the total amount of CO2 in the atmosphere increases, adding to the increasing greenhouse effect.

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Yes. For maximum environmental effect, choose E85 as often as you can; if you can't find any E85, you can put ordinary 95 octane petrol in your tank without any problems.

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Right now, bioethanol-powered Flexifuel technology with E85 offers one of the most effective and affordable means to make owning a vehicle more sustainable. Ford are continuing to work towards the long term goal – to build cars that do not produce any environmentally harmful emissions at all.

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Soon there will be. From the beginning of 2008, Ford will be expanding the range to include three new models with Flexifuel engines – the new Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy. The reason Ford began with the Focus and C-MAX, the two Flexifuel vehicles available now, is that they are among the best-selling models, so they had the greatest potential for reducing emissions overall.

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Yes. There is no single solution to the challenge of climate change; neither in society in general, nor in the transport sector. Climate change can only be properly addressed by integrated approaches, and for the automotive sector this includes the car industry, the fuel industry, government and consumers. Ford have made a long-term commitment to addressing climate change issues.

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Ford are working hard to make the interior of vehicles more welcoming to everyone, especially people with allergies.

Five models so far: Ka, Focus, S-MAX, Galaxy and new Mondeo are the first and only vehicles worldwide that have been rewarded an ’allergy-tested interior‘ certification. Respective certificates have been given by the German TÜV Rheinland organisation, the independent industry body controlling and approving quality standards of industrial and consumer products. The award recognises that Ford vehicle interiors consist exclusively of materials that reduce the risk to allergy sufferers to the lowest possible level. All future Ford cars will be certified according to the TÜV criteria.

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There’s plenty you can do. Many studies have already proved a strong correlation between driving style and behaviour on one hand, and fuel economy, CO2 and other emissions on the other. You only have to make small changes to make a high impact on fuel economy – and without increasing your journey time. It’s easy to learn. Keep reading for tips on making your driving more environmentally friendly.

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Here are a few tips you can use today. Firstly, keep your cool. Anticipate traffic with cool driving behaviour by looking and thinking ahead. This helps maintain a steady fuel-efficient speed, reduces the need for heavy braking and acceleration, and means you enjoy a more relaxed driving style. You can also reduce fuel consumption and so reduce your CO2 emissions if you:

• Drive at low rpm using the highest possible gear at constant speed
• Use the vehicle's momentum to drive continuously
• Use auxiliary equipment selectively, like air-conditioning and windscreen heaters
• Switch off the engine whenever it’s safe and practical to do so, such as when loading and unloading or during longer stops in stationary traffic
• Check and adjust your tyre pressure regularly
• Remove unnecessary cargo from the car to reduce weight and the energy needed for acceleration
• Make the most of your vehicle’s aerodynamics by reducing drag whenever possible; for example, by removing the roof rack when not required or by closing open windows

Find out more about Ford’s smart driving tips

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