Sales of hybrid vehicles have grown tenfold in five years and more alternative-fuel vehicles are in development or will hit showrooms this year.
The 2008 Denver International Auto Show, which kicked off Wednesday and runs through Sunday at the Colorado Convention Center, is playing host to myriad alternative-fuel vehicles.
On display are the Chevy “concept” Volt, a plug-in hybrid; Ford Fusion, powered by a fuel cell; General Motors Yukon hybrid; and Cadillac Escalade hybrid.
“More people are considering the environment and green than they ever have before,” said Karl Brauer, editor in chief. “A lot of factors have come together in the last five years that have people questioning their gas use, including how expensive gas is, geopolitical reasons, the Mideast situation and the oil supply.”
Charles Westerdahl, 65, of Denver was among those attending the show Wednesday evening. He isn’t in the market for a vehicle but said he would like his next one to use alternative fuel because of gas prices and environmental concerns.
“I keep thinking of my grandchildren and great-grandchild and what they are going to have if we don’t do something now,” he said.
Laura Dooley, manager of state government affairs at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the more alternative-fuel options developed, the more options consumers will have. She said 12 million alternative-fuel vehicles are part of the total fleet nationwide, roughly 3 to 5 percent of the market.
The Toyota Prius, the most well-known hybrid, outsold several major brands in recent months including Acura, Audi, Mitsubishi and Subaru in the month of November, according to .
“What that proves is there is potential for these cars to do well,” Brauer said.
Clean low-sulfur diesel is also making its way into the market. With it comes better mileage and less fuel use, Brauer said. The toughest challenge for clean diesel is combatting the perception that diesel is dirty.
“They’ve mastered the clean but now they face telling people about it,” Brauer said.
Volkswagen spokesman Keith Price said the company has hitched its wagon to clean diesel.
“Diesel has changed,” Price said. “Clean diesel can stand on its own with less CO2, fuel economy and lower fuel costs.”
Elizabeth Aguilera: 303-954-1372 or eaguilera@denverpost.com
