Government help could boost biofuel production at Ford

The support of the government could allow iconic vehicle manufacturer Ford to increase its use of biofuel as a primary source of powering its cars in the years to come.

Ford is taking a £450 million loan from the European Investment Bank, £360 million of which is guaranteed by the UK government, as part of a five-year mission to raise the use of low-carbon technologies in its engines.

Business minister Mark Prisk says: "Ford has an impressive track record in research and development.

"Its investment of £1.5 billion over the next five years is a great opportunity to take the lead in developing low-carbon manufacturing."

Ford already has a corporate sustainability plan that includes a commitment to developing biofuel vehicles, with 14 models already available using the renewable energy source.

By 2011, a mid-term goal for the company on the global stage is to see it fully implement the low-carbon technologies that are already known to it.