Ford Coupon Program Encourages Expanded Use of Ethanol

25 May 1999
Ford Coupon Program Encourages Expanded Use of Ethanol
    LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 24 -- Ford Motor Company today
announced a fuel coupon program to encourage the use of ethanol (E85) fuel in
Chicago and the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
    All 1999 Ford Ranger pickups with 3.0-liter engines are flexible fuel
vehicles (FFVs) and can run on any combination of E85 or unleaded gasoline in
the same tank.  Some ethanol is already used as a blending agent (oxygenate)
in some of the unleaded gasoline brands commonly available today.
    "When Ford decided to offer FFVs nationwide, we understood we had a
responsibility to promote the use of ethanol fuel," said Jim O'Connor,
President of Ford Division.  "We realize there are only certain areas of the
country where ethanol is now available, and those are the places we'll be
targeting.  Chicago, and the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, are our
pilot cities."
    Ethanol provides environmental benefits.  Corn-based E85 emits up to 30
percent less greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline on a life cycle basis.  It
is a renewable energy source produced in the U.S.  If ethanol is produced
biomass, the greenhouse gas benefits would be even greater.  Several pilot
biomass-to-ethanol projects are underway.
    Buyers of Ranger 3.0-liter pickup trucks in Chicago and the Twin Cities,
located within a 15-mile radius of an E85 station, are being mailed a letter
explaining the FFV feature, along with eight coupons each worth $5 toward the
purchase of E85 fuel.  Buyers are also being sent maps with the locations of
existing E85 retail fueling stations.  Today, the number of stations in those
cities are still very limited.  However, Chicago plans to add 10 new locations
this year, while the Twin Cities area hopes to add up to 30 new sites.
    When run on E85, the higher octane level of ethanol improves Ranger FFV
vehicle performance.  When run on gasoline, the engine operates like a typical
gasoline engine.  Ford also offers a Taurus FFV on an optional basis.
    Economically, E85 improves the U.S. balance of trade, enhances
agricultural utilization, and creates rural farm sector job opportunities.
Ethanol (E85) costs approximately the same as regular gasoline on a volume
basis, but fuel economy is reduced by about 27 percent because of the lower
energy content in the fuel.
    "The Ranger FFV is a prime example of Ford's commitment to protecting the
environment while providing quality cars and trucks," said O'Connor.  "We hope
people will show their individual environmental commitment by trying out
ethanol fuel."