GM Full-size Pickup That Can Run On Ethanol

GM now offers the only full-size pickup in the market that can run on ethanol (E85)

Detroit - The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are the industry's first full-size pickup trucks which will be available with the option to operate on ethanol (E85) fuel.

E85, a renewable fuel made from starch crops such as corn, helps reduce air pollution and America's dependence on foreign oil. In addition, E85 vehicles meet aggressive U.S. Department of Energy mandates for alternative fuel-powered vehicles.

The E85 Silverado and Sierra are ideal for moving cargo and crew on rough terrain, in adverse road conditions and up severe inclines. The E85 compatible Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are additions to GM's entire E85 compatible truck line-up. GM also offers the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma compact pickups, and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL sport-utility vehicles with E85 compatibility.

"This industry exclusive is yet another reason that customers rely on General Motors to meet their alternative fuel vehicle needs," said John Gaydash, marketing director for GM Fleet and Commercial and brand manager for Alternative Fuel Vehicles.

The E85 compatibility feature will be offered as a special equipment option on select 1500 series Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras equipped with the 5300 Vortec engine. The option is available for customer orders through all Chevrolet and GMC dealers. Vehicle production is expected to begin in early 2002.

General Motors received a commitment for its first 50 orders for the E85 Chevrolet Silverado from Monsanto Company, a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity, headquartered in St. Louis, MO. Ross Bushnell, Monsanto's director of U.S. marketing believes that the E85 full-size trucks support the business objectives of both the company and its customers.

"Operating field vehicles with E85 demonstrates Monsanto's ongoing commitment to the American farmer and renewable energy sources," said Bushnell.

For more information on GM's entire portfolio of Alternative Fuel Vehicles, visit www.gmaltfuel.com. The Web site includes information such as a listing of GM's alternative fuel vehicle dealerships and available refueling sites.