GM To Provide E85-Capable Chevrolet Avalanches For Use In 28 States

Press Release

Partnership With Governors' Ethanol Coalition Promotes Ethanol As Alternative, Renewable Fuel

GM will begin delivering the ethanol-capable vehicles to recipients beginning in March 2005. As part of a campaign by GM and the GEC to promote the use and benefits of ethanol, recipients of the trucks will showcase the vehicles in various ways and events throughout the year. This collaborative effort is designed to increase awareness of ethanol and flexible fuel vehicles, and to promote the increased use of E85 as a renewable, alternative transportation fuel that is able to meet the demands of today's drivers.

"No manufacturer has done more to promote the use of ethanol than GM, and today's announcement is the latest demonstration of our commitment to extend our leadership in manufacturing ethanol capable vehicles," said Thomas G. Stephens, GM Powertrain group vice president. "GM will work with organizations like the Renewable Fuels Association and the Governors' Ethanol Coalition, today and tomorrow, to promote the use of ethanol and E85 and the many available benefits for the environment, the economy and consumers."

GM is currently the largest producer of E85 flexible fuel vehicles in the United States, with over 1.1 million vehicles on the road and with vehicles available for sale in all 50 states. GM approved the use of 10 percent ethanol blended gasoline in all GM products more than 20 years ago, and produces almost five million E10 capable vehicles annually.

GEC Chairman and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty recognized the generous donation from General Motors on behalf of the GEC members.

"The participating members are excited to promote E-85 capable vehicles across the country and appreciate GM's support of our mission to increase ethanol use," said Governor Pawlenty. "This proactive decision by GM will help the U.S. decrease our dependence on imported energy sources and improve the environment while stimulating the national economy."

GM will provide E85-capable Chevrolet Avalanches for use in the following GEC member states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Ethanol delivers similar performance as regular gasoline and is a renewable, domestically produced fuel that reduces sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbons for improved exhaust emissions performance. E85, a blend of 85 percent ethyl alcohol and 15 percent gasoline, is produced from the starch in agricultural products, primarily domestically produced corn. Growing corn actually removes CO2 from the atmosphere so that the total effect of using ethanol made from corn is a significant reduction in greenhouse emissions when compared to the use of petroleum-based fuels.

"GM will continue to do its part by producing flexible fuel vehicles. But, we will not enjoy the full benefits of ethanol until we drive as much ethanol as possible to gas station pumps," said Stephens. "Collaborative efforts like the one we announced today are critical to encourage improvements to the E85 infrastructure and to help educate and encourage consumers to use E85 in their flexible fuel vehicles whenever possible."

GM's E85 vehicles are capable of operating on either gasoline or 85 percent ethanol without any additional modifications, aftermarket conversions, or cumbersome switches for vehicle users. Currently, there are over 300 public E85 fueling sites in operation across the nation.

"The RFA is committed to enhancing the economic viability of E85 and assuring greater ethanol use in E85-capable vehicles," said Bob Dinneen, RFA President. "GM's commitment to manufacturing and promoting the use of these vehicles is critical to making the most of ethanol's potential to reduce our use of imported fossil fuels."