Ford Motor Co. is teaming up with an energy company to increase the number of ethanol fuel stations next year.

Ford said it will work with Brookings, S.D.-based VeraSun Energy Corp. to convert existing fuel pumps to E85, an alternative fuel made from a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

Ford also said it will launch a consumer awareness campaign about the benefits of ethanol, [...] but the company said many owners may not even realize that their vehicles can use ethanol as well as traditional gasoline.