Ford Launches Ethanol Corridor

June 30, 2006

Partnering with VersSun Energy Corp., the Ford Motor Co. announced the creation of the "first ethanol corridor. In a June 29 statement, Ford said the Midwest Ethanol Corridor will increase the availability of E85 by converting gasoline fuel pumps to E85 ...

Adrienne Selko

"Today's launch represents an important step toward wider accessibility of E85 for America's drivers," said Bill Ford, Chairman and CEO, 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."
Recently Ford committed to double the number of biofuel-capable vehicles produced in the U.S. by 2010. Ford offers four flexible fuel vehicles, the 2006 F-150, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car and will produce up to 250,000 fuel flexible vehicles this year.

There are approximately five million flexible fuel vehicles on American highways today, but the availability of E85 is limited. Only 750 fuel stations offer E85. The Corridor will add 50 additional pumps in Illinois and Missouri using VeraSun's VE85 product as well as E85 from other providers.

"Consumers can realize 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.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.