Member companies of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Auto Alliance) started the celebration of the nationwide National Alternative Fuel Autos Week by announcing to the public that there are currently about 10.5 million vehicles with alternative fuel drivetrain traveling in the millions of roads across the US. Auto Alliance obtained the information based from the 2006 sales results provided by R. L. Polk & Co., the premier provider of automotive information and marketing solutions to the automotive world.
Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
"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."
"We believe that the numbers of Alternative Fuel Autos on the roads continue to rise because consumers can choose from a variety of autos that reduce fuel use while still providing the utility, safety, performance and comfort they seek." he added.
McCurdy continued and said: "Having exceeded our sales expectations in 2006, we hope that 2007 will be another banner year for sales of Alternative Fuel Autos. This year marks the first-ever National Alternative Fuel Autos Week and automakers hope to draw more attention to the availability of these autos currently for sale."
To date, there are 60 vehicle models from domestic and international car manufacturers with alternative fuel capability are currently offered in the US market. These include hybrid electric, E85 ethanol capable, and vehicles with clean diesel engines. These alternative fuel drivetrain are available in different vehicle classes like sedans, SUVs, pick up trucks, and vans. Moreover, automakers are expanding the range of alternative fuel vehicles, and include new powertrain technologies for different segments. Probably, someday people can see an E85 ethanol capable convertible coupe model with VW cabrio parts from Volkswagen, which is an active member of Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
Along with the increasing development of alternative fuel vehicles, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is also working in conjunction with the alternative fuel industry and the US government to expand the development of energy infrastructures in the country. Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and their partners will conduct research and development projects for other energy sources like ethanol, biomass and hydrogen fuel.
Talking about the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, active member automakers of the alliance include BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler AG, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corp., Mazda Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Volkswagen of America, Inc.
