FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 

Press Contact: Monte Shaw

November1, 2012

515-252-6249

IRFA Challenges Automotive Leaders to Recommend the Use of E15 in New Models

IRFA Sent Letters Asking 12 Different Auto Manufacturers to Endorse E15 for Use in New Models

JOHNSTON, IOWA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently sent letters to the heads of 12 auto manufacturers asking them to follow the trend set by Ford Motor Company and General Motors and recommend E15 (a blend of 15 percent ethanol) for use in their new models.

       The letters stated, “It’s now been just over two years since the U.S. EPA authorized the use of E15 in new cars and light duty trucks sold in the U.S. Recent announcements by General Motors and Ford Motor Company that E15 is recommended for use in their new vehicles clearly demonstrates that ample time has passed for automakers to react to the EPA’s announcement and offer vehicles for sale in the U.S. that give consumers the fueling choice they deserve.”

       The letters continued by asking if E15 is a recommended fuel for the company’s model year 2013 cars and light duty trucks sold in the U.S. If E15 is not a recommended for use in the company’s model year 2013 cars and light duty trucks, the IRFA also asked, “Given the two years to research and prepare for the transition to E15, please explain why your company chose not to align its products with all of the legal fuel options sold in the U.S.?”

       “E15 has been approved for use in new models for more than two years now and consumers deserve the freedom of fuel choice,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “If E15 is not recommended for use in these companies’ new cars and light duty trucks, then consumers ought to know if there is really substandard components used to build 2013 models compared to components used by Ford and General Motors where E15 is recommended.”

       The letters were sent to the heads of BMW of North America, Chrysler Group, American Honda Motor Company, Hyundai Motors America, Kia Motors America, Mazda Motors of America, Mercedes-Benz USA, Nissan North America, Saab Cars North America, Toyota North America, Volkswagen Group of America, and Volvo Group North America.

       Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 13 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 320 million gallons annually.  In addition, Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.7 billion gallons annually and one new facility under construction.

       The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

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For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org