The latest in renewable energy vehicles from Ford joins Missouri Governor Matt Blunt’s official fleet. Ford has produced just 20 of its hybrid-electric, flex-fuel Escapes that can run on E85 fuel and Ford Manager Tony Reinhart handed Blunt the keys to one of these rare vehicles. Blunt says the specially-equipped Escape will help promote his Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard, which outlines that all fuel sold in the state will have to contain 10% percent ethanol by January of 2008. The Governor pointed out that Missouri is the fourth state to have such a requirement. The hybrid, flex-fuel also meets Blunt’s executive order that requires at least 70% of new vehicles purchased by the state to be flex-fuel vehicles.

Each of the hybrid, flex-fuel Escapes were manufactured in Kansas City and a total of five of the 20 (well, 21 if you count the prototype) will remain in Missouri: one to Governor Blunt, three to Kansas City Power and Light and one to the Tour of Missouri Bicycle Race where it will serve as the pace car.

Listen to why Tony Reinhart, Governor Blunt and Missouri Corn Grower’s Association Education Director Gary Marshall say this vehicle represents Missouri’s commitment to renewable resources: