VeraSun Energy Corporation, the US’s second-largest ethanol producer, in partnership with Ford, has opened a ‘Midwest Ethanol Corridor’. The corridor will increase the availability of VE85, VeraSun’s branded E85, with the addition of 14 new retail locations along I-55 in Illinois.

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In November 2005, VeraSun announced a partnership with Ford to increase VE85 fuelling locations and raise awareness about the benefits of E85 use. E85 is a fuel blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.


The announcement is a step fulfilling the companies’ initiative to increase the number of stations offering E85. VeraSun’s branded E85 fuel, VE85, is now available at more than 70 retail locations across the Midwest, including nearly 40 in Illinois.


“The opening of this corridor is the culmination of work between VeraSun and Ford, both of which committed to work in partnership to expand the availability of E85. While it is important to expand the availability of E85, it is equally important to raise consumer awareness regarding FFV ownership and E85 use. We believe this corridor serves as one example of how both objectives can be achieved when the automotive and ethanol industries work together,” said Don Endres, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, VeraSun Energy Corporation.


“Today’s launch represents an important step toward wider accessibility of E85 for America’s drivers,” said Bill Ford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ford Motor Company. “Ethanol is an energy source straight from America’s farmlands. Ford, together with VeraSun, believes the corridor can help jump-start the growth of E85 as we work to address the nation’s energy issues.”

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Ford currently offers four FFV models designed to run on E85 or gasoline — the 2006 Ford F-150, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car — and will produce up to 250,000 FFVs this year.


“Consumers can realise the benefits of using E85 today. It is a domestically produced, renewable fuel made from corn grown in the Midwest. E85 is good for our economy, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and burns cleaner than regular gasoline, which is better for our environment,” said Bill Honnef, VeraSun’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We applaud Ford for its commitment to produce flexible fuel vehicles and for teaming with us to promote E85 awareness and availability.”