According to 2006 sales data from R.L. Polk and Co., there are 10.5 million “Alternative Fuel Autos” on the roads today. And according to automakers, we’re all discovering the alternatives–2006 sales of “alternative fuel autos” are exceeding the automakers’ expectations by fifty percent.
Currently manufacturers are offering 60 models of Alternative Fuel Automobiles for sale including hybrid electric, ethanol- capable E-85, and clean diesel, up from just 12 models for sale in 2000. A complete list of available autos can be found at the Discover Alternatives website.
Automakers kicked off National Alternative Fuel Autos Week. The R.L. Polk sales figures also reveal that 1.5 million Alternative Fuel Autos were sold in 2006, surpassing automakers’ sales expectations by 50 percent.
In addition to the 60 Alternative Fuel Autos currently being offered, auto engineers are working to include a diverse range of highly fuel-efficient technologies in new vehicles. Today, every model for sale is available with some kind of fuel-efficient technology, such as fuel injectors, four-cylinder engines, variable valve timing, continuously variable transmissions, cylinder deactivation and more.
Automakers are also working with the energy industry to develop a range of alternative fuels capable of sustaining mobility while ensuring more secure energy sources. In fact, Alliance members have forged more than 25 partnerships, joint ventures or research and development projects with energy producers to expand the fueling infrastructure for fuels such as ethanol, biomass and hydrogen. Automakers are also working with the government, fuel providers and fuel retailers to help grow the E-85 ethanol fueling infrastructure. Since mid-2005, the industry has helped add 200 fueling stations in 13 states.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 9 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen. For more information on advanced fuel-savings technology, visit the Alliance website at http://www.autoalliance.org/.