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Ford coupon program encourages expanded use of ethanol

LOUISVILLE, KY, -- Ford Motor Company 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.

The Mighty Ranger
Ford Ranger
 
"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 event 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. 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."

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