E85 achieved its breakthrough here in Sweden during 2006, allowing us to increase our sales threefold. Our commitment to renewable motor fuels is long term and an increasingly important part of our product portfolio. Continued expansion during the coming year depends on the price picture for this fuel compared with conventional petrol and whether even more Swedes buy ‘environmental’ cars.

—Helena Fornstedt, public affairs head at Svenska Statoil

A total of 36,711 flex-fuel cars were purchased in Sweden during 2006, an increase of 156% from the year before and 13.5% of all newly-registered cars in the country. Their proportion of new registrations in 2005 was only 5.2%.

The increase reflects the benefits offered to drivers of flex-fuel vehicles, according to Statoil: lower excise duties, free parking spaces and the waiving of road tolls.

All 95 octane gasoline sold in Sweden is a 5% ethanol blend (E5).

A low blend like this is the most efficient way of cutting carbon emissions. We’ll accordingly increase the ethanol content in our petrol to 10% as quickly as we can.

—Helena Fornstedt