NCGA Welcomes Ford, GM E85 Initiatives (1-27-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) this week welcomed announcements by Ford and General Motors that indicate the automakers are stepping up their efforts to produce and promote flexible fuel vehicles. Ford on Wednesday unveiled the Escape flexible-fuel hybrid and General Motors announced its “Live Green Go Yellow” initiative, a national advertising and marketing campaign to build awareness and market acceptance for E85.

At the Washington Auto Show this week, Ford showcased the first research E85-capable hybrid, which can on an 85 percent ethanol-15 percent gasoline blend and electricity.

“This innovative research program could lead to breakthroughs to significantly reduce our nation’s dependence on imported oil while also helping to address global climate change,” said Anne Stevens, Ford executive vice president and chief operating officer, The Americas.

Though the vehicle is still in the research stages, the announcement is good news for America’s drivers, NCGA Ethanol Committee Chairman Bruce Noel said.

“The Escape E85 Hybrid brings together two technologies that are becoming more popular every day in America: flex-fuel vehicles and hybrids,” he said. “Both technologies reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and offer significant environmental benefits. We’re excited that Ford has engineered this research vehicle, and we look forward to the fast-approaching day when consumers will be able to purchase such a vehicle from their local auto dealer.”

Also at the Washington Auto show, GM launched its “Live Green Go Yellow” advertising and marketing campaign, which will promote GM’s flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) and the benefits of E85. GM plans to air television ads during the Olympics in February and will complement the campaign with print, Web and broadcast components.

“We are trying to start a movement that will heighten the focus on the need to diversify our energy needs with ethanol. Beginning Feb. 8, our campaign will drive people to an E85 Web site, LiveGreenGoYellow.com, that will help consumers to be better informed of the benefits of ethanol,” said Bob Kraut, director, GM Brand Marketing & Advertising Operations.

“This is really exciting news, as the car manufacturers are now actively promoting the benefits of ethanol,” Noel said. “Until now, thousands of Americans have driven vehicles capable of running on E85 and they didn’t even know it. Now, we have a major auto manufacturer airing television ads and hosting a Web site that will give drivers the facts they need on E85 and ethanol.

“Corn producers nationwide will continue to grow the food and clean-burning fuel that America needs.”