More Than 100 Car Models Getting 40MPG Now Sold Overseas... But Not Available in U.S.

America Stuck in Reverse: Ranks of 40MPG or Better Cars Grows Overseas, But Shrinks in U.S.; National Poll to Show Unhappy U.S. Consumers Want Congress to

Act.

The number of vehicle models sold in the U.S. that get more than 40 miles per gallon (MPG) has dropped from 2005 levels, even as the ranks of highly fuel-efficient vehicles sold overseas -- but not available to U.S. consumers - - is growing rapidly and now is well into the three-digit range, according to new data that will be presented on February 14, 2007 by the Civil Society Institute (CSI) think tank and its 40MPG.org project.

A new CSI/40MPG.org national opinion poll to be released at the same February 14th news event will show that there is an unsatisfied market of millions of Americans who want highly fuel-efficient vehicles but have been frustrated in their attempts to get them. The survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) also will show that an overwhelming majority of Americans now believe that they should be able to buy the highly fuel-efficient cars made by foreign and American auto manufacturers that are available for sale in other nations but not in the United States.

The CSI/40mpg.org survey also will show that strong majorities of Americans want Congress to exercise leadership on higher fuel-efficiency standards and other steps to reduce energy conservation and reduce the vehicle pollution linked to global warming.

  News event speakers will be:

  * CSI President Pam Solo;

  * ORC Senior Research Associate Graham Hueber; and

  * 40MPG.org spokesperson Ailis Aaron Wolf, co-editor of "The Ultimate Car
    Book 2001" and "The Used Car Book 2000-2001".

The car research data and national opinion survey to be released on February 14th by CSI and 40MPG.org updates research and polling data released in December 2005.