Published 2004: Alternative Fuel Options Hit High Gear, MotorWeek Predicts

BALTIMORE--Aug. 2, 2004; "In a time of sky high gasoline and diesel prices," says MotorWeek host John Davis, "people are more receptive than ever to the idea of using alternative fuels--that is, fuels other than petroleum--to power their cars. Especially since, as gas prices go up, alternative fuel may actually become a bargain, all while lessening our dependence on foreign oil and making the air we breathe cleaner."

MotorWeek, television's original automotive magazine, begins its 24th season on more than 200 PBS stations on September 4, 2004. Along with its trademark new car and truck road tests, the widely acclaimed consumer automotive series is set to accelerate its aggressive stance on informing Americans about alternative fuels, such as alcohol-blended E85, and compressed natural gas, and the wide array of vehicles available now that use them.

Davis believes that "alternative fuels are a win-win situation for the country and individual consumers alike. While hydrogen fuel cells hold a promise for clean cars tomorrow, other alternative fuels, some of them totally renewable, are available right now."

Working with experts from the U.S. Department of Energy, auto manufacturers, independent suppliers, and advocacy groups, MotorWeek has, in recent seasons, explored a variety of alternative fuel topics. They include basic information to consumers on the widening availability of alternative fuel, how it is being used by commercial fleets to reduce its impact on crowded urban environments, and the efforts underway to extract renewable natural gas from landfills and garbage dumps. Last season, MotorWeek concentrated on the most renewable of all alternative fuels, E85. This largely alcohol fuel can be made from corn or other organic materials, and is in widespread use in the Midwest farm belt. Davis notes, "Many viewers of our E85 segment did not know they might be driving a car that can run on E85 right now." These so-called "flexible-fuel vehicles" that can run on E85 or regular gas look no different from cars that run only on unleaded gasoline.

MotorWeek also has added a special environmental award to its annual Drivers' Choice Awards, presented every February at the opening of the Chicago Auto Show.

"We wanted to recognize the best efforts of the automotive industry to address fuel- saving technology, and our Best Eco-Friendly Award does just that," says Davis. "We are the first and only major automotive enthusiast media to bestow such an honor." The honor for Best Eco-Friendly for 2004 went to the Toyota Prius hybrid.

This fall MotorWeek will tackle the thorny issue of new-car fuel-economy ratings, with an in-depth look at the government's new 2005 Fuel Economy Guide. While required for all cars and light trucks, the scientific city and highway economy ratings' purpose is widely misunderstood by consumers.

"New car buyers think the ratings are a guarantee," says Davis, "when they are supposed to be used as a guide and to compare one vehicle to another. No scientific study can duplicate the exact way people drive, especially when some consistently exceed the speed limit by 15-20 miles per hour." MotorWeek will spend time explaining not only the validity of the 2005 Fuel Economy Guide, but how it is developed, and how it should be used as a tool when selecting a new car.

MotorWeek has been providing consumers with timely and practical news on the automotive industry since 1981. From nearly 200 car reviews a year to car care and unique feature stories, MotorWeek is the one consistently unfiltered, unbiased information source for auto consumers. The weekly series is produced by Maryland Public Television and is nationally sponsored by The Stanley Works. More information is available online at www.pbs.org/motorweek.