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Our Philosophy
Somewhat surprisingly, until we created these Ethanol outreach programs, the key
issues of using alternative fuels have not been directly or effectively communicated
by federal, state, or local governmental agencies nor by auto manufacturers. Few if
any consistent training programs exist that are specifically
targeted to address the very specific questions and needs of auto technicians.
Yet, these are the very people who must service automobiles and are relied upon
by consumers to have the correct information. Our goal is to correct this
problem by offering concise, interesting, informative, and effective training programs.
Change is inevitable, yet it is always met with resistance. People tend to ignore the
benefits of anything new and focus instead on every negative point. Most are
understandably skeptical because, so often, the people bringing
the information have strong political or economic incentives to make a particular
point. This taints the message, no matter how relevant or correct it may be.
Impartial education supported with undiluted facts and straight answers are the key.
As a fully independent company, we can deliver a message clearly without the perceptions
that it has filtered or slanted by underlying agendas.
The problems we face in finding fuels that are renewable, widely available, more
environmentally friendly, and yet available at a reasonable cost are daunting, but
our vision of the future is bright. The country of Brazil, for example, produces
enough ethanol domestically that they now enjoy the status as a net exporter of
liquid fuels.
We believe that the refueling station of the future will
offer a much wider variety of choices. Is Ethanol the magic bullet that makes
every problem go away? No, but it is helping, The viability of ethanol as a fuel
for cars has been demonstrated by other countries, and it will certainly
remain an important part of the answer for future generations.
IQ Learning Systems, Inc. will continue to support the efforts of many organizations
in educating technicians and end consumers about all aspects of utilizing
ethanol-enhanced fuels. We will continue to stay in touch with top racers and
share all available information with racers, engine builders, and race sanctioning
organizations.
We have also begun the process of seeking partners and funding to create a
truly fuel-efficient engine and control system that takes better advantage of
what the different fuels can do. You can count on us to share the most up-to-date
information about alternative energy resources and the real advantages and special
requirements of ethanol fuels.
Want Proof?
Is there really such a critical need for outreach? Isn't everybody tired of high
fuel prices, global warming, and watching our money wind up in the hands of other
countries? Won't we all welcome alternatives with open arms? Here's what happens
when people are left in the dark.
One would think that the people
in Kansas, the heart of the agricultural belt and a major corn producer, would
jump at the chance to fill their cars with ethanol-enhanced fuels. In 2005, the
ACE, the American Coalition for Ethanol, led by Marketing Development Director
Ron Lamberty, approached the Kansas State Legislature with the Kansas Corn Growers
Association to propose that they repeal the labeling law that
required all gas stations to display a black sticker on E10 pumps. The label said
"Contains up to 10% Ethanol", but ACE realized that consumers haven't been
fully educated and that the black label may look to many like the warning on a
pack of cigarettes. The legislators agreed and repealed that law. Overnight,
about half of the gas stations peeled the label off their pumps or replaced it with
the new label designed by EPIC, the Ethanol Promotion & Information Council.
In the next month, sales of E10 in Kansas went up over 700%, then peaked a few months later
at over 1000% increase (see chart below).
Comparison of E10 Gallons Sold in Kansas July-December
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2004, gal. sold
(before labeling law repeal)
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2005 gal. sold
(after labeling law repeal)
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2,941,000
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21,391,000
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727%
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2,801,000
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21,902,000
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782%
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2,966,000
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16,826,000
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567%
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1,498,000
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16,085,000
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1074%
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3,123,000
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14,526,000
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465%
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3,396,000
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19,992,000
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589%
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Information from the Kansas Department of Revenue, P/R Motor Fuel Activity Report
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These statistics clearly imply that
more training and outreach in ethanol-enhanced fuels is needed. There may have
been other issues besides fear of the black label that slightly influenced E10 sales
in Kansas, but the one can surmise that lack of the correct information kept
consumers away.
At IQ Learning Systems, we're doing out part to make sure mechanics, racers, and
the general public truly understand ethanol-enhanced fuels, that E10 is
an excellent choice for any car, and that it has the approval of every auto
manufacturer for use in their vehicle.
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