Daimler Chrysler is road testing a Mercedes C Class biodiesel auto as part of a longer term biodiesel project with the Institue of Hohenheim in Germany and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in India. The test involves a 5,000 km drive and will meet stringent Euro II emission norms.

Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning diesel replacement made from natural, renewable sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats. The Indian Biodiesel for this project is generated from Jatropha plants cultivated on eroded soil.

India and DCX are not alone in their interest in using Jatropha as a fuel source. Alexander's Oil and Gas provides some historical perspective on the interest in and use of this prevalent and hardy drought-resistant plant as an oil source in the developing world.

Good biodiesel resources:

• National Biodiesel Board

• DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center