National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition


News Release
For Immediate Release
June 3, 1997		 For more information contact:
Sandy Hentges (573) 636-8590
Kay Ann Miller (314) 275-9915


Midwestern governors and corn growers praise Ford's plans for 1999 E85 Ranger pickup

Governor Terry Branstad of Iowa, is pleased with recent news of Ford Motor Company's plans to build an E85 Ranger pickup for model year 1999. E85 is an alternative fuel blend that contains 85% ethanol. Governor Branstad is the Chairman of the Governors' Ethanol Coalition and a strong advocate of E85.

"On behalf of the 21 members of the Governors' Ethanol Coalition, I would like to thank Ford Motor Company for their continued recognition of ethanol as an outstanding form of alternative fuel and also recognize Ford for their continuing leadership in the production of alternative fuel vehicles," said Branstad.

1999 Ford Rangers equipped with a 3.0 liter engine will be an E85 flexible fuel vehicle beginning in September of 1998. The truck will be capable of operating on 85% ethanol or unleaded gasoline, or any blend of the two. The ability to operate on E85 will be a standard feature offered by Ford.

Ethanol is made primarily from corn therefore it is a truly renewable, domestic energy source. Using E85 for transportation fuel improves our air quality and reduces imports of petroleum and our trade deficit. To the driver the use of E85 is completely transparent. The E85 vehicle fuels exactly like a conventional gasoline vehicle.

Wallie Hardie, president of the National Corn Growers Association and a corn and soybean farmer from North Dakota said, "We are extremely pleased that Ford has decided to produce another vehicle using the E85 technology. The E85 Ford Taurus has proven to be an excellent and reliable performer and that has obviously pleased Ford's customers. Introduction of an E85 light truck will serve to expand the market demand for ethanol."

Governor Branstad added, "The expansion of the E85 vehicle line being offered by Ford restates the importance of ethanol in the nation's efforts to develop domestic forms of transportation fuel. Ethanol is a 'homegrown' product that's beneficial for all Americans."

The Governors' Ethanol Coalition works closely with the National Corn Growers Association to promote the use of 85% ethanol as an alternative fuel.

The Governors' Ethanol Coalition is composed of 21 states including:

Arkansas
Kansas
Nebraska
S. Dakota		 Colorado
Kentucky
N. Mexico
Texas		 Hawaii
Michigan
N. Dakota
Wisconsin		 Illinois
Minnesota
Ohio		 Indiana
Missouri
Oklahoma		 Iowa
Montana
Puerto Rico

The National Corn Growers Association is an organization of 30,000 members and 42 affiliated state corn grower organizations including:

Colorado
Kentucky
Missouri
Oklahoma
Virginia		 Georgia
Louisiana
Nebraska
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin		 Illinois
Maryland
New York
S. Carolina		 Indiana
Michigan
N. Carolina
S. Dakota		 Iowa
Minnesota
N. Dakota
Tennessee		 Kansas
Mississippi
Ohio
Texas

The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition is jointly supported by the
Governors' ethanol Coalition, National Corn Growers Association,
and its affiliated state corn associations.

3702 W. Truman Blvd., Suite 120
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 635-8445 || Fax: (573) 635-5466
email: nevc@sockets.net

Return to: Governors' Ethanol Coalition Homepage || News Releases