First Quarter Sales Figures Show Record Sales for Alternative Fuel Autos

WASHINGTON--Newly released sales figures from R.L. Polk reveal a record number of alternative fuel automobiles (AFAs) rolled off dealer lots in the first quarter of 2007. In the first three months of the year, more than 434,000 AFAs were sold nationwide, an increase of 27 percent over the same period last year, bringing the total number of AFAs to 11 million on the nation’s roads.

Sales of E-85 capable vehicles were up 40 percent from 159,882 to 266,859, while sales of hybrid vehicles were up 31 percent from 51,285 to 74,056. Sales of clean diesel vehicles fell slightly from 108,100 to 93,012.

“Gas prices, consumer incentives, and the increasing number of AFA models available to consumers all play a role in the rising popularity of these vehicles,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “However, while interest in AFAs continues to grow, we still need more gas stations to offer biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel.”

Sixty models of Alternative Fuel Automobiles are on sale today and more are in development, including hybrid-electric, clean diesel, ethanol capable and others. Advanced vehicles need advanced fuels, including ultra low sulfur diesel, E85 ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen and electricity—all of these will play increasingly important roles.

A recent study by R.L. Polk and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers found that while more than 74 percent of consumers were familiar with AFAs, the availability of fuels was still an important consideration in deciding whether or not to purchase an AFA. Overall, the study found that the most important reasons consumers listed for purchasing an AFA were concerns protecting the environment and helping to enhance energy security.

Additionally the study found that consumers believe government should fund research and development in Alternative Fuel Autos and that government should provide incentives to promote the development of adequate infrastructure. Currently, out of the more than 170,000 refueling stations in the U.S., only 1,221 offer E-85 according to the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition.

McCurdy added, “automakers believe that the best way to enhance energy security and reduce carbon dioxide emissions is through the use of alternative fuel autos. While consumers value fuel economy, they also want other attributes in today’s vehicles. Our goal as manufacturers is to offer fuel-efficient vehicle options, with a wide range of attributes, at an affordable price.”

For more information about Alternative Fuel Automobiles visit www.DiscoverAlternatives.com.

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 www.autoalliance.org.