While market excitement for corn-based ethanol’s use as an alternative fuel for vehicles abounds, Prudential Equity Group analyst Michael Bruynesteyn said he sees little medium to long-term advantage for Big Three automakers.In a recent report, the analyst estimated approximately 900,000 unit sales in 2006 of vehicles enabled for E85 (a blend of 15% Fuel and 85% ethanol), mostly by Ford Motor (nyse: F – news – people ), General Motors (nyse: GM – news – people ) and Daimlerchrysler. While he called the advantages for corporate average fuel economy, or “CAFÉ,” clear, the analyst noted that the companies may also see a good public relations opportunity. “Much like Toyota burnished its image with its push into hybrids, the domestic original equipment manufacturers may be able to generate some goodwill with customers by taking the lead on E85 vehicles, although quantifying that benefit is difficult,” said Bruynestyn.If true demand for E85 vehicles materializes or increased production of E85-equipped vehicles is encouraged by the government, “domestic automakers should initially benefit more than their import and transplant peers,” said the analyst. However, it won’t be difficult for other automakers to follow suit, he said, leading him to estimate that short-term advantages for Ford, GM, and Daimlerchrysler could evaporate in approximately two years.Currently, less than 5% of U.S. gas stations sell E85, the analyst said News source: Forbes.com