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October 6, 2003

General Motors Supports State’s Corn Producers

DEWITT, Mich. – Michigan consumers and farmers are seeing firsthand how the state’s number one and number two industries can work together to better the environment and the economy. All this was accomplished as General Motors assisted the Michigan Corn Growers Association and the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan in securing an E-85 fuel burning Chevrolet Tahoe.

All 2002 and newer Chevrolet Tahoes are able to burn E-85, which is a mixture containing 85 percent ethanol, a renewable fuel made from corn, and 15 percent gasoline. E-85 has a high oxygen content which makes it burn much cleaner than gasoline, reducing hydrocarbons, ozone and carbon monoxide emissions. In addition to the Tahoe, GM produces other vehicles that can burn E-85, including the Chevrolet Suburban and Silverado and GMC Yukon, Yukon XL and Sierra.

“E-85 alternative fuel is only beginning to become available in many areas,” said Gary Herwick, Director of Alternative Fuels for GM. “Working together, we can make a difference when it comes to alternative fuels. GM is manufacturing compatible vehicles and we are encouraging industry and consumers to do their part by continuing to develop the E-85 infrastructure, and by using E-85 in their own Flexible Fuel Vehicles whenever possible.”

“We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with a company the caliber of General Motors as we work to increase the usage and visibility of ethanol,” said Jeff Farmer, MCGA President and corn farmer from Sanilac County. “I know firsthand the efforts undertaken to develop partnerships such as this one with General Motors. We hope this will be just the first in a long line of activities we can do together.”

E-85 fuel usage is important for corn production in the state as producers contemplate building ethanol plants. “To strengthen Michigan’s economy, it is important to support our industry and the other industries in the state as well,” said Richard Godfrey, a corn grower from Jonesville and president of the CMPM. “We all know the importance of the auto industry to our state’s economy but what many don’t realize is that agriculture is the number two industry in the state. We are excited because we merged the top two industries in the state as an example of what can be done as we build partnerships and coordinate our programs.”

“We are setting an example of what can be done when you leverage the most important industries in a state,” Godfrey added. “It is especially important in the automotive state of Michigan to merge agriculture and automotive industries for a huge win.”

Jody Pollok, CMPM and MCGA Executive Director, has been driving the E-85 Tahoe since May. “I think it’s important to educate consumers about ethanol-blended fuel,” Pollok explained. “There are a lot of rumors out there about ethanol that simply are not true. The E-85 Tahoe drives and rides just like every other vehicle on the road. Well, not exactly like every other vehicle since it releases far fewer harmful emissions into the air. Also, E-85 powered vehicles are running on 105-107 octane fuel which increases the horsepower.”

“Race tracks are already seeing E-85 racecars and even one pure-ethanol powered car,” Pollok said. “The pure ethanol powered car can reach speeds of 194 miles per hour; I don’t know how much better of an example of performance capability you’ll see than that.”





 

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