Ford, VeraSun Energy Aim to Increase E85 Pumps (11-8-05)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) welcomes the news that Ford Motor Co. will partner with VeraSun Energy of Brookings, S.D., to convert dozens of retail fuel pumps to E85 pumps in the next year.

NCGA Ethanol Committee Chairman Bruce Noel said domestic automakers are realizing that ethanol is here to stay and will serve as an important tool in decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign energy.

“Ethanol and E85 are mainstream now,” said Noel. “The general public is realizing ethanol’s value and drivers are demanding more renewable fuels. Ramping up production of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) is a natural step in our move away from reliance on imported oil. Ford should be commended for taking this step.”

Ford says it intends to produce 250,000 E85-ready vehicles in 2006. There are approximately 500 stations that offer E85 in the United States, and about 5 million FFVs on U.S. roadways.

Ford will launch a consumer awareness campaign in conjunction with the E85 pump conversions. A television advertisement is already being shown with Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford indicating the company will increase production of FFVs in 2006.

"Ford is working on innovative solutions to customer concerns over high gas prices and America's overdependence on foreign oil," Bill Ford said. "Ethanol is an innovative energy source straight from the heartland of America."

For more information on ethanol and E85, please visit www.ethanolfacts.com. Also, click here for the “Ethanol: Facts vs. Myth” brochure, which details the truth about the benefits of ethanol.