Rising cost of gas driving alternative fuel autos

Facing rising gas prices, Americans are buying more alternative fuel autos, including hybrids, diesel and ethanol- capable vehicles, according to automakers.

“Our priority is to get the word out that alternative fuel autos are on sale now, and these vehicles are the quickest way to reduce gasoline use,” said Fred Webber, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents nine global automakers selling vehicles in the U.S.

“No one wants to see high gas prices and concerns about energy security, but the good news about today’s energy situation is that more Americans are purchasing one of the many fuel-efficient automobiles on sale today,” said Webber.

The number of alternative fuel automobiles on U.S. roads has reached nine 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 one million hybrids, diesel and ethanol vehicles in 2006, and two million by 2008.