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NCGA
Officials Talk E-85 Pickups, SUVs With General Motors (1-28-02)
In the course of
a few years, ethanol has gone from a great idea to a much sought-after
alternative to petroleum-based fuel additives. Not only is ethanol safer
and cleaner-burning, but it helps strengthen the nation's energy independence
and provides new markets for hundreds of thousands of the U.S. corn
growers.
The National Corn
Growers Association (NCGA) has been a staunch proponent of ethanol and
finding new markets for the corn-derived product. One of those markets
was the topic of discussion by NCGA President and Walsh, Colo., corn
grower Tim Hume and CEO Rick Tolman during a recent visit to General
Motors Alternative Fuels Division in Detroit. The main topic of discussion:
the purchase of a fleet of E-85 pickups and SUVs by GM and Monsanto.
"They invited
us to come and meet with them to talk about their interest in ethanol,"
said Tolman. "GM had asked Monsanto who was important in ethanol
promotion and how GM could build a stronger working relationship. NCGA
is honored to be a recognized leader in the field of ethanol promotion."
The meeting, sponsored
by Monsanto, was productive, said Tolman. "GM told us they are
very committed to alternative fuels and are putting more research and
efforts into that area," he said. "They have recently completed
a study called 'Wells to Wheels,' where they have looked at the commercial
viability of alternative fuels. The outcome of the study showed ethanol
as being the most viable now and for the foreseeable future. Therefore,
they are very interested in pursuing ethanol promotion."
Tolman said GM has
an extensive list of pickup and SUV configurations available in E-85.
They are mainly targeted at fleet buyers, but GM indicated they would
like to see more sales go to farmers and farm groups.
"GM's commitment
to E-85 is from their strong interest in ethanol and its environmental
benefits," said Tolman.
For more information
on ethanol and ethanol production, visit the NCGA website at http://www.ncga.com/ethanol/main/index.htm.
Last reviewed
January 28, 2002
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