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For further information, contact: John DeCicco or Jim Kliesch, 202-429-8873 Press material or review copies: Glee Murray, 202-429-0063 Washington, D.C. (Friday, March 17, 2000) -- Are high gas prices hitting you where it hurts? The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has some suggestions for car buyers: by purchasing greener cars and trucks, consumers can save money at the pump and protect the planet as well. The top-rated vehicles in ACEEE's Green Book™: The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks are both cleaner and more fuel-efficient. This special news release highlights examples from ACEEE's "Best of 2000" list, which is also available online on the preview pages of greenercars.com. The attached table lists the fuel savings for some of the top-rated models compared to average models in their class. "These green choices include many of today's popular models," says ACEEE's Green Book™ co-author John DeCicco. For example, the Mitsubishi Mirage makes the "Best of 2000" list in its 1.5 Liter, low-emissions (LEV) version. "Compared to an average subcompact," notes DeCicco, "the Mirage will save over $230 per year at today's higher fuel prices." "Fuel-saving greener choices are available in every market segment," states co-author Jim Kliesch. In the attached table, for each pair of vehicles shown, the top-listed model shows both fuel savings and reduced environmental harm. According to Kliesch, "For full-sized pickups, selecting a 4.2L Ford F-150 pickup over a 5.2L Dodge Ram C1500, will save $20 per month at the pump, or $240 annually, while cutting overall pollution by 12 percent." Even greater fuel savings are available with new technologies. This year, the Honda Insight hybrid-electric vehicle tops ACEEE's "Greener Choices 2000" list. It saves an estimated $600 per year in fuel costs compared to a typical two-seater such as the Mazda Miata, which is already a small car with better-than-average fuel economy. Consumers who buy green will encourage automakers to make highly efficient, advanced technology vehicles widely available sooner rather than later. ACEEE's Green Book™ is a unique publication that guides consumers who wish to vehicle shop with the environment in mind. A "Green Score" is calculated for each new car, van, SUV, and pickup on the market. Also listed are each model's fuel economy, estimated annual fuel expenses, health impacts, and greenhouse gas emissions. "The comprehensive approach behind ACEEE's Green Scores," according to DeCicco, "helps consumers avoid adverse tradeoffs, such as picking vehicles that are fuel efficient, but highly polluting." "When we went to press last fall," reports Kliesch, "gasoline prices had barely started to rise." The annual fuel cost estimates published in ACEEE's Green Book™: The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks - Model Year 2000 were based on a price of $1.20 per gallon. Kliesch notes that "the latest data show U.S. pump prices averaging $1.57 per gallon as of this week, over 50 cents higher than in March 1999." The attached comparison table estimates fuel savings at $1.50 per gallon. "Fuel prices are clearly volatile," says DeCicco. "The Department of Energy warns the prices could rise even further this summer. Buying green is the best way for consumers to protect themselves against high prices at the pump." ACEEE's Green Book™ is available online at GreenerCars.com. The free, preview pages of the site include the "Best of 2000," listing the top-rated vehicles in each size class. Consumers 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, from major online booksellers, or directly from ACEEE. For further information, contact:
Used car and truck buyers can also save money by selecting more fuel-efficient models. ACEEE's Green Book™ does not cover the used car market, but consumers can find fuel economy information on older models via the U.S. federal government's www.fueleconomy.gov website. 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. ### Fuel Savings from Buying Green Selected Models from ACEEE's Green Book™ "Best of 2000" Compared to Average Vehicles in their Class
LEV* denotes a Low Emission Vehicle available
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