Saab Automobile AB based in Trollhättan, Sweden was the first automaker to give Australia the first bio-ethanol powered vehicle. The BioPower 9-5 is already on sale. Biopower cars launch extension was made last week as the 9-3 Bio-Power was offered in three trims, the Sport Sedan, SportCombi and the Convertible models.

Saab’s bio-ethanol car launches was in time as United Petroleun, Australia’s largest fuel retailer committed to build Australia’s first fuel pumps, one in Melbourne and one in Sydney.

“In six months to a year, I'm sure we will see other manufacturers introducing E85 cars to the market,” GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish says.

"With the launch of BioPower, Saab set out to break the chicken and egg cycle that prevented Australian drivers from choosing a renewable fuel alternative," Mr Batish said.

The E85 composed of 82 percent ethanol and 15 percent petrol makes fuel cheaper for motorists, almost about $1 per liter. It also decreases carbon emissions from 120-130gm per kilometer emitted by the most efficient small-capacity diesel engines (ingen cold air intake is a good replacement part) to only 40gm per kilometer also with better performance.

"Saab took the first leap and United Petroleum is taking the same bold leadership position with its commitment to make E85 commercially available to flex-fuel car drivers.

"This is a big investment by United Petroleum. We think with this support BioPower will be a success in Australia and will stimulate other manufacturers to bring their flex-fuel vehicles to this country as well. This is the tip of the iceberg," Mr Batish said.

"With a bioethanol model, a powerful and economical diesel and a carbon off-set through Greenfleet for every new car we sell, the Saab 9-3 range really does deliver on our promise of performance with responsibility."

The BioPower 9-5 before driving in Australia had already been the leadind flex-fuel segment in Sweden and the other parts of Europe.