Over 700,000 alternative fuel autos
sold in first half of 2006
Facing rising gas prices, Americans are buying
more alternative fuel autos, including hybrids, diesel and ethanol-
capable vehicles, according to automakers.
The number of alternative fuel automobiles in
the United States has reached 9 million, according to new figures
released by R.L. Polk & Co. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
said that there were approximately 8.3 million alternative fuel
autos on the road at the close of 2005, and more than 700,000 hybrids,
diesel and ethanol vehicles have been purchased in the first half
of 2006, putting automakers on track to reach their goal of sales
of a million. Automakers have set a goal of selling 1 million hybrids,
diesel and ethanol vehicles in 2006, and 2 million by 2008.
Automakers are now selling 46 models of alternative
fuel autos, including ethanol vehicles capable of running on 85
percent ethanol, clean diesel autos and hybrid electric vehicles.
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