A record number of alternative fuel automobiles (AFAs) rolled off US dealer lots in 2007 – close to 1.8m or roughly 250,000 more than were sold in 2006, but many were E85-capable/flexible fuel vehicles that aren’t usually run on the fuel.
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RL Polk data showed that sales of these and hybrid electric vehicles were up significantly while clean diesel vehicle sales fell slightly.
“Gas prices, consumer incentives, and the increasing number of AFA models available to consumers continue to play a role in the rising popularity of these vehicles,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
“And while we’re pleased these vehicles continue to grow in popularity, refuelling infrastructure challenges may prevent the promise of these vehicles from being fully realised. For example, out of more than 170,000 refuelling stations in the US less than 1,500 offer ethanol.”
In 2008, more than 70 models of AFAs are offered, up from only 11 in 2001.
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By GlobalDataMcCurdy said: “Each year the number of AFAs available to consumers is increasing. We’re hopeful that soon we’ll be able to add a new generation of plug-in hybrids and other promising technologies to this list.”
Currently there are more than 12m AFAs registered in the US and automakers are hopeful that this year’s sales will exceed 2m.
McCurdy said: “Automakers recognise that our actions speak even louder than our words. Last year we supported an aggressive nationwide increase in fuel economy standards that will increase fuel economy by 40% while at the same time reduce carbon dioxide emissions from new autos by 30% [by] 2020.
“We are hopeful that through the use of alternative fuel autos as well as improvements to the conventional internal combustion engine we can meet the challenge of improving fuel economy, enhancing energy security and reducing carbon dioxide emissions while continuing to provide consumers with the vehicles they demand at an affordable price.”
