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National Ethanol Vehicle Coaltion |
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
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JANESVILLE, WIS. (July 16, 2003) — The State of Wisconsin, the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) and General Motors Corp. today launched a six-state initiative to promote greater use of corn-based ethanol fuel, E85, as an alternative to gasoline. The announcement was made at the grand opening of Wisconsin’s seventh and the nation’s newest E85 fueling station, Milton Avenue Mobil in Janesville. E85, which is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, is currently made from domestically produced corn. Its price and performance are similar to that of regular gasoline, but ethanol is renewable, produces fewer emissions and helps reduce demand for imported oil. The market for E85 has increased 10-fold during the past five years, to about 10 million gallons a year. The public awareness effort is part of a two-year partnership with the nonprofit NEVC focused on increasing E85 use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), which can use either E85 or gasoline. The direct-mail program, called “I Fuel Good,” will target owners of 2002 and 2003 model year GM flexible fuel vehicles by giving them a $40 debit card that can be used to purchase E85 fuel. Owners also will receive E85 informational literature, a list of E85 refueling stations in their area, a window sticker and a T-shirt. Additionally, participating GM dealers will receive assistance in educating customers about the benefits of using E85. Missouri, Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois also are participating in the education campaign. "I am honored that Wisconsin was chosen as the kick-off state for a regional campaign to advance the use of E85 Fuel," said Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. "This is a great opportunity to move Wisconsin forward by supporting continued efforts to develop and increase the use of ethanol in transportation." By the end of the year, Wisconsin will have 11 retail E85 stations. Wisconsin has about 12,500 E85 vehicles in operation and has long advocated use of this homegrown alternative fuel. In 1990, the Wisconsin Alternative Fuels Task Force was established to educate the public about the benefits of using alternative fuels, including E85. A year later, Wisconsin became a founding member of the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition, a bipartisan organization of 29 governors created to increase the use of ethanol fuels nationwide. "E85 is a clean‑burning, domestically grown alternative transportation fuel that can be used in a growing number of vehicles being produced today,” said Phil Lampert, executive director for the NEVC. “E85 advances domestic energy security, reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases, and provides jobs for Americans." Today, ethanol made from corn reduces the demand for imported oil by 98,000 barrels per day -- representing a $1.1-billion annual reduction in the U.S. trade deficit. In the future, producers will be able to make ethanol from biomass such as corn and wheat stalks and forestry waste. Government tests have shown that E85 vehicles reduce hydrocarbon and benzene emissions compared to vehicles running on pure gasoline. GM produces more than a third of the more than three million E85 flexible fuel vehicles on American roads. All 2002 and newer Chevrolet and GMC full-size SUVs and pickups equipped with the Vortec 5300 engine are E85-capable, including the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban; and the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL produced at GM’s Janesville assembly plant. The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups also are available with E85 capability. “E85 is only beginning to become more widely available, and we’re pleased to be able to provide consumers with an incentive to try this alternative fuel and see the benefits for themselves,” said John Gaydash, director of marketing for GM’s Fleet & Commercial Operations. “We want to educate and encourage industry and consumers to use E85 in their GM flexible fuel vehicles whenever possible.” ### The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition is the nation's primary advocate dedicated to the use of 85 percent ethanol as a form of alternative transportation fuel. It is a coalition of corn growers, ethanol producers and auto manufacturers based in Jefferson City, Missouri. For more information, visit www.e85fuel.com. For more information on Wisconsin and E85 visit www.doa.state.wi.us/dsas Keyword: Alternative Fuels General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer, employs 342,000 people globally in its core automotive business and subsidiaries. Founded in 1908, GM has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in more than 190 countries. In 2002, GM sold more than 8.6 million cars and trucks, nearly 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM’s global headquarters is at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM and its products can be found on the company’s consumer web site at www.gm.com. MEDIA CONTACTS:
State of Wisconsin
NEVC
General Motors Jim
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The
National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition is the nation’s primary advocate of the
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