According to sales data from R.L. Polk and Co., 1.5 million alternative fuel vehicles were purchased in 2006, 50 percent higher than the manufacturers’ expectations and boosting overall totals to 10.5 million vehicles.
Automakers currently offer 60 alternative fuel models, including hybrid electric, ethanol and clean diesel. In 2000, only 12 alternative fuel models were available.
“There are 10.5 million alternative fuel autos on the roads and highways of every state across the country. We are happy to see that consumers are, in fact, discovering the alternatives that are available to them on dealership lots nationwide,” said Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
New vehicles also offer a range of fuel-efficient technology from fuel injectors to variable valve timing. The automakers are also cooperating with the energy industry to develop alternative fuels that can sustain mobility and create more secure energy sources.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of light truck and car manufacturers including BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen.