First-Ever 'Flex for the Future' Leasing Program Encourages Switch to E85 Flexible Fuel Vehicles

MORTON, Minn., Jan. 24, 2006 -- Farmers who have long been described as "stewards of the land" will soon be demonstrating the commitment to cleaner skies and wider use of the renewable fuel produced from their fields. The American Lung Association of Minnesota (ALAMN) is among the groups backing "Flex for the Future," a new vehicle leasing program with a twist - each of the seven models offered are flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can run on any mix of gasoline and/or a cleaner alternative called E85, which is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and just 15 percent gasoline. Details on the program are available at http://www.flexforthefuture.com/.

Flex for the Future is being announced today at the Minnesota Ag Expo in Morton, Minn. by its sponsors, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and AgStar Financial Services. The three and five year leases on E85-ready trucks, sedans and vans are open to the 17,000 drivers who are Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) members or AgStar stockholders. Although exceptions may apply, virtually anyone joining MCGA is eligible for the program. The FFVs listed below are available at attractive lease rates and residual values - and carry no mileage restrictions.

   * Chevy Silverado Extended and Crew Cab FFV pickups
   * Ford F150 SuperCab and SuperCrew FFV pickups
   * Dodge Caravan SE FFV minivan
   * Chevy Impala LT FFV sedan
   * Dodge Stratus SXT FFV sedan

For Tim Gerlach, outdoor air director of ALAMN, the benefits of Flex for the Future are obvious. "This program is designed expressly to put more FFVs in the hands of drivers who are highly motivated to fuel with E85 instead of gasoline," he said. "AgStar has answered consumer demand for FFVs and is rolling it out here, where cleaner, renewable-based E85 is plentiful."

"We couldn't be more pleased than to partner with the Minnesota Corn Growers and the American Lung Association on this Flex for the Future program," said Paul DeBriyn, president and CEO, AgStar Financial Services. "AgStar is excited to play such a positive role promoting the many benefits of ethanol while at the same time boosting ethanol usage in Minnesota."

Participants in Flex for the Future get the added incentives of a $500 debit card for E85 fuel, no mileage limitations and a one-year membership in the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (http://www.e85fuel.com/). Participants need not be farmers, but must be members of MCGA (three-year membership costs $200) or an AgStar stockholder.

"We congratulate AgStar for stepping up with this first-of-its-kind E85 vehicle leasing," said Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Rodney Moe. "We're pleased to be a partner in a program that raises awareness - and availability - of E85 and flex fuel vehicles, and look forward to promoting the program to our current and potential members."

  American Lung Association of Minnesota      http://www.cleanairchoice.org/
  Minnesota Corn Growers Association          http://www.mncorn.org/
  AgStar Financial Services                   http://www.agstar.com/
  National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition          http://www.e85fuel.com/