Production of the first Ford F-150 flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) began this month, continuing the company’s commitment to producing 250,000 FFVs in the coming year.

The flexible fuel technology is being built into the 5.4L, V-8 engine model and is available to consumers at no additional cost. FFVs can operate on gasoline or ethanol blends up to E85 – a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

Made in America, ethanol is a renewable fuel that supports U.S. jobs and reduces the nation's dependency on foreign oil. It is produced primarily from corn grown in the Midwest and is generally less expensive than regular unleaded gasoline – saving consumers money at the pump.

With approximately five million FFVs on the road today, E85 has great potential as an alternative fuel. However, only about 500 of the more than 180,000 fuel stations in the U.S. currently offer E85. Ford is committed to growing the E85 infrastructure and has announced a partnership with VeraSun Energy Corporation, the nation's second largest ethanol producer, which will increase the number of fueling stations offering E85, particularly in Midwest markets where ethanol availability is growing. A consumer awareness campaign to promote the benefits and use of E85 is also part of the initiative.

Ford F-150 FFVs will also be manufactured at the company's Dearborn Truck and Norfolk Assembly plants. They will begin arriving in dealer showrooms after the first of the year. Ford also offers flexible fuel technology on Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car.

Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant opened in 1953. In addition to F-150 FFVs, the plant is responsible for the production of the Mazda Tribute, F-150 Regular Cab, Super Cab and Super Crew and gasoline and hybrid versions of Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.