GM fuels ethanol debate

General Motors Corp. dragged its feet in offering hybrid vehicles, but it doesn’t plan to be left behind on another alternative to gasoline power.

GM will announce Wednesday that it is increasing its commitment to E85, a fuel that is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

E85 consumes less gas, runs cleaner and reduces dependence on foreign oil. The automaker offers 13 models that run on E85, and its goal is to sell 400,000 autos annually.

GM and several retailers will announce 20 new E85 fueling stations will be added to the 100 already in Illinois. Also, GM will team with Shell Oil Co. on a pilot program to add the fuel to at least six additional Illinois Shell stations to determine whether the oil company should expand the program.

Chicago Tribune