Number of Alternative Fuel Autos on California’s Roads Increased 17% in 2006

ALTERNATIVE-FUEL AUTOS CLIMB 17% IN CALIFORNIA
Why the Largest Automotive Market in the United States Has More Hybrids, Diesels and E85 Vehicles

Residents of the Golden State continue to push for energy alternatives in automotive fuels. In a press release by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the group’s president, Dave McCurdy expresses, “The auto industry is a dynamic high-tech sector, and manufacturers are committed to selling vehicles that can run on something other than just gasoline. Consumers are taking notice.â€

Figures from R.L. Polk & Co. verify the recent surge with vehicle data making the case for consumer interest. In 2006, hybrid-electric, ethanol-capable E85 and clean diesel autos numbered 837,743 on California roads. This illustrates a 17% jump from the previous year. National figures are equally significant. Over 1.5 million alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) were put on the streets in 2006—surpassing automaker expectations by 50%. At the end of 2006, the total number of AFVs on national roads exceeded 10.5 million.

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