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Enterprise Rent-A-Car is now offering biodiesel rentals in Portland, a move that may help boost demand for the alternative fuel.
The company recently unveiled a pilot program to introduce five biodiesel vehicles into its Portland fleet to test customer demand for the environmentally friendly rentals.
Enterprise, the nation's largest car rental company, says the move by its Portland office marks the first time a major rental corporation has introduced biodiesel into its fleet.
Biodiesel, a diesel alternative made from seed crops grown domestically or refined from used cooking oil, cuts toxic emissions produced by traditional, petroleum-based fuels.
Bio-beetle, the first and only other rental company to offer biodiesel vehicles to its customers, got its start last year on the island of Maui in Hawaii and recently opened its second office, in Los Angeles.
As far as I know, we're unique at the moment, said Kevin Neary, general manager of Enterprise's Oregon operations. I would imagine other companies, if they see success in our fleet, will adopt (biodiesel) vehicles in their fleets as well.
In the past, the company has offered hybrid rental cars, with modified engines...