New AFVs and Advanced Technology Vehicles Available for 2007

There are many new choices in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles to help consumers ring in the New Year. The number of cars and trucks using fuel sources other than traditional petroleum-based gasoline will increase with model year 2007 vehicles becoming available.

Hybrids are one category of vehicle that continues to expand, and six recently made the U.S. Department of Energy’s and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s top ten list of fuel economy leaders, part of the recently released 2007 Fuel Economy Guide. The annual list ranks vehicles based on city and highway miles per gallon achievements. Hybrids making the top ten included the Toyota Prius (1), Honda Civic Hybrid (2), Toyota Camry Hybrid (3), Ford Escape Hybrid FWD (4), and Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD and Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD (10).

The Toyota Prius was ranked as No. 1 in the 2007 Fuel Economy Guide. Credit: autodeadline.com

One dozen new flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) will also be coming on the market in 2007, bringing the total number of FFVs available to thirty-one. These cars run on blends of ethanol, with the most popular fuel blend being E85. Some of the newly-available FFVs include DaimlerChrysler’s Aspen and Jeep Commander; General Motors’s Chevy Uplander, Chevy Express, and GMC Savana; and Nissan’s Armada.

DaimlerChrysler’s Aspen is one of several new FFVs available in 2007. Credit: autodeadline.com

"This increase in production along with recent pledges for additional new vehicles demonstrates the commitment of the auto industry to respond to consumer demands for E85 vehicles," said National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition Executive Director Phil Lampert.

The official Web site of the 2007 Fuel Economy Guide provides information on new 2007 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles that run on electricity, ethanol, natural gas, propane, and biodiesel. More information can be found at www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byfueltype.htm.