UPM and VTT to initiate biofuel vehicle tests

Finland-based biofuels producer UPM is to work with technical research centre VTT and car manufacturer VV-Auto Group to start fleet tests of renewable domestic diesel.

Biofuel will be produced by UPM and used in VV-Auto cars as the VTT conduct tests from May on engine functionality, consumption and emissions.

These fleet tests are a part of a larger project, coordinated by VTT, which aims to encourage companies to commercialise renewable energy solutions for on-the-road vehicles.

‘Advanced, sustainable biofuels are a great opportunity for Finland. The European Commission will most likely restrict the use of biofuel made from food crops, meaning that the value of the forest industry residues will increase,’ says VTT research professor Nils-Olof Nylund.

Test vehicles will drive up to 20,000 kilometres within the Helsinki metropolitan area.