Ford Helps Create Ethanol Corridor

Ford is partnering with VeraSun Energy - the second largest ethanol producer in the U.S. - to open the country's first ethanol corridor, a series of ethanol fuel stations running through Illinois and Missouri. The first phase of the so-called Midwest Ethanol Corridor program will convert gasoline fuel pumps to carry E85 - a blend of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol - at stations located along I-55 in Illinois and I-70 in Missouri. The project will raise ethanol availability in Illinois and Missouri by one third, providing more than 50 additional locations to pump E85 using VeraSun's branded E85 product, VE85, as well as E85 from other providers. Once the corridor is in place, drivers will theoretically be able to drive between Chicago and Kansas City along the I-55 and I-70 corridors, fueling exclusively with E85. Selected stations along the corridor are prepared to begin delivering the fuel to drivers immediately.

Both automaker and fuel producer stand to gain from the partnership. Expanded ethanol availability makes flexible fuel vehicles (FFV) more appealing in the eyes of the consumer, and more FFV sales mean more drivers are capable of purchasing ethanol. Getting drivers to actually fill up on ethanol is the aim of the second phase of the program, which will focus on customer outreach to increase consumer awareness of E85. Ford is currently running an E85-themed ad campaign in selected markets in Illinois and Missouri. In addition, informational materials, including a map highlighting the new ethanol pump locations, will be sent directly to Ford's FFV owners in the corridor area in the two states.