Brasília - On Friday president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took a drive in Brazil's first multi-fuel car, an Astra Multipower 2.0 sedan, which can run on gasoline, alcohol, or any combination of the two, as well as natural gas.

According to minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Luiz Fernando Furlan, the country is testing innovative technologies in the auto sector. First, the bi-fuel (gasoline and alcohol) vehicle, and now the multi-fuel. "Our intention is to export this technology. We have had strong performance in vehicle exports, not just automobiles, but heavy vehicles and equipment," said the minister.

Furlan explained that the multi-fuel vehicle would probably be best employed in urban areas where the traffic is heavy and the optional use of natural gas would be pay off. He said the use of such vehicles could give the natural gas sector a boost.

Furlan said the Ministry of Finance was studying calls by the auto sector for reduced taxes on multi-fuel vehicles.

Agencia Brasil
Reporter: Paula Madeira
Translator: Allen Bennett
08/16/2004