text: what do you know about brazil's move to oil energy independence? in brazil, the fifth largest country in the world, there's a plan to become free from imported oil by the end of 2006.    brazil started its ethanol program because of the oil crisis in the '70s.   developing ethanol has led to a brand new kind of car called a "flex vehicle," which gives you the option of using a gasoline ethanol blend or 100 percent ethanol.   today, 70 percent of new cars sold in brazil are flex vehicles, which cost no more than a regular car.   sources trish regan, cbs news,inc. william bernquist, sugar cane technology institute, brazil what an amazing story.  brazil showed some single minded approach to this, over 30 years and numerous govts.  they concerntrated on hydro power for electrity which i think is the big reason they kicked the crude oil addiction.