Enterprise Rent-A-Car and ethanol producer VeraSun Energy Corp., recently announced the first VE85/FlexFuel rental branch location in South Dakota. The Sioux Falls location is the newest Enterprise branch to receive the E85/FlexFuel designation as part of a nationwide effort to promote the expanded availability and use of E85.

Enterprise will commit to fueling its Sioux Falls FlexFuel vehicles with VeraSun’s branded E85, VE85. “Embracing new, clean fuels and automotive technologies is a priority for Enterprise Rent-A-Car and an important part of our broader commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Christopher Hay, vice president and general manager for Enterprise in South Dakota.

The Taylor family of companies, which includes Enterprise, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car, owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of FlexFuel vehicles – more than 73,000 cars and trucks that have the ability to run on E85. VeraSun launched its VE85 brand in May 2005 with seven stations in Sioux Falls and today it is available at more than 140 fueling locations in 13 states and Washington, D.C.

“Enterprise’s commitment to offering flexible fuel vehicles and promoting the use of E85 in those vehicles is another example of how E85 is increasing its role in diversifying our nation’s energy needs,” said Bill Honnef, VeraSun senior vice president, strategic initiatives.

Employees at the Sioux Falls location will provide customers with educational materials about ethanol and flexible fuel vehicles, in addition to a map detailing Sioux Falls VE85 locations. The Sioux Falls VE85/FlexFuel Branch joins similar branches in Washington, D.C.; Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; St. Louis, Mo.; and Charlotte, N.C.