FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Monte Shaw, 515-252-6249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 22, 2008

Iowa Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) Fleet

Increased 23 Percent in 2007

FFVs Are Capable of Running on E85

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today announced that Iowa’s fleet of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) increased by 23 percent in 2007. According to figures from Reg Track, Inc., Iowans added 14,175 new FFVs vehicle registrations during the year. IRFA estimates that over 75,000 FFVs are currently registered in Iowa.

“Iowa is seeing strong growth in FFV sales as a result of rising consumer demand and increased model availability,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director. “Granted, we’ve got a long way to go, but 23 percent growth makes E85 a real option for thousands of Iowa drivers and sends a strong signal to Iowa retailers.”

According to Iowa Department of Transportation figures from August of 2007, only 21 percent of FFVs are registered in a zip code serviced by an E85 retailer. “With 80 percent of FFV owners unable to find E85 in their local area, there is clearly room to expand E85 access,” added Shaw. “We’ll be working with the Iowa Legislature to enhance a few programs designed to encourage retailers to add E85 to their product lineup. We’ve seen steady growth in the number of retailers offering E85, but we hope to accelerate the trend.”

Iowans can learn more about emerging renewable fuels markets, like E85, at the 2nd Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on Jan. 31 in Des Moines. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Additional program information and online registration is available at www.iowarfa.org.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 28 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 2.1 billion gallons annually. There are 16 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add over 1.5 billion gallons of annual capacity. In addition, Iowa has 14 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 315 million gallons in operation. Two biodiesel refineries under construction will add 35 million gallons of capacity.  Many additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s ethanol and biodiesel producers. 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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