New Edition of ACEEE's Green Book™ Guides Consumers to Eco-Friendly Cars and Trucks for Model Year 2000


For further information, contact: John DeCicco or Jim Kliesch, 202-429-8873
Press material or review copies: Glee Murray, 202-429-0063

Washington, DC (Tuesday, February 15, 2000) - The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy today released the third edition of its pathbreaking consumer guide, ACEEE's Green Book™: The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks -- Model Year 2000. In a year that marks the first hybrid-electric vehicle to appear in the U.S. market, this timely book provides guidance for consumers who care about the environment when shopping for a new vehicle.

Information is widely published on attributes like performance, styling, safety, and reliability. But "Only ACEEE's Green Book provides complete information on the key aspects of automotive environmental performance," says co-author John DeCicco, Director of ACEEE's Transportation Program. The book provides a Green Score for every new passenger car, minivan, sport utility, and pickup truck sold in the United States. According to DeCicco, "By comparing Green Scores for the models they are considering, car buyers can shop with the environment in mind."

ACEEE's Green Book™: The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks rates electric and alternatively fueled vehicles as well as gasoline and diesel vehicles, and provides advice about how to buy green when shopping for a new car or light truck. New this year is the "Greener Choices 2000" list. "This new list highlights some of the cleanest and most fuel-efficient gasoline cars and trucks," states co-author and ACEEE Research Assistant Jim Kliesch, "helping consumers identify options that are both practical and environmentally sound."

Another addition for 2000 is a new chapter, "Green by Design." "Many consumers will not only want to learn what's green, but why," notes DeCicco. "'Green by Design' offers in-depth coverage of the Honda Insight hybrid electric vehicle along with other advances in automotive technology."

ACEEE's Green Book™ again identifies the 12 "greenest" and 12 "meanest" vehicles in the model year. The publication rates vehicles according to tailpipe pollution and global warming emissions, as well as by pollution from auto factories and fuel production. Along with the summary Green Scores, ACEEE's Green Book™ details each model's fuel economy, health impacts, annual fuel expenses, and greenhouse gas emissions.

A key feature is the "Best of 2000," listing the least polluting models by vehicle class - subcompact, compact, mid-size, large cars, vans, pickups, and sport utilities. Overall, the most environmentally friendly vehicles are powered by electricity or natural gas. However, in every size class, some gasoline vehicles are better than others. "Our 'Best of 2000' table lists both alternative and conventional vehicles," states Kliesch, "These selections show that consumers have greener options throughout the market, including some of today's most popular models."

As air pollution continues to plague many parts of the country and as emissions from fossil fuels - particularly the gasoline and diesel fuel burned by our motor vehicles - disrupt the earth's climate, "Choosing greener cars is more important than ever," remarks DeCicco. "ACEEE's Green Book provides pragmatic advice for consumers concerned about protecting the health of their families and of the planet."

This year, ACEEE's Green Book™ launches a new website, GreenerCars.com. Car shoppers can buy one month of full online access for $8.95, or for $19.95 they receive an annual subscription that includes updates, feature articles, and green ratings for new model releases throughout the year. Paper copies of the book can be ordered for $8.95 (plus shipping and applicable taxes) directly from GreenerCars.com, as well as from major online booksellers.

ACEEE's Green Book™: The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks -- Model Year 2000 will be distributed nationwide and is available beginning February 15. Bulk sales discounts are also available. For further information, contact:

ACEEE Publications
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 801
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-429-0063
Fax: 202-429-0193
Email: ace3pubs@ix.netcom.com
Website: www.aceee.org

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is an independent, non-profit research group dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of protecting the environment and strengthening the economy. For more information, see our website at www.aceee.org.

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