With fuel costs rising, Alternative Fuel Vehicles are becoming more and more attractive to the consumer. After thorough research, it is our opinion that Lotus Car Rental Corporation should invest in the purchase of a small fleet of these cars in a test marketing effort. Lotus Rental Car can reduce expenses and increase their customer base by adding alternative fuel vehicles to their fleet.
             A wide variety of alternative fuels, excluding gasoline and diesel-for-powering vehicles, exist. Some vehicles can be special ordered from the manufacturer, already adapted to accommodate these alternate fuels. In the case of hybrid cars, no special order is needed as models have been on the market since 1999 and are increasing in popularity.
             In the non-commercial arena, hybrid vehicles and 100% electric fuel vehicles are more widely used than other alternate fuel vehicles at this time. Commercially, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has become very popular, especially in the public transportation industry. According to the "Transit Resource Guide," a publication of the American Public Transportation Association, "As of January 2001, approximately 25% or all-new buses on order in the U.S. are natural gas-powered" (apta.com, 2003). Many of those municipalities ordering them are striving for a 100% conversion. Compressed natural gas, propane, methanol, and ethanol are growing in popularity as fuel sources, as more vehicles are being made that can burn them.
             Today we understand that the wholesale burning of petroleum cannot continue forever. As the new century opens, alternative fuel vehicles are becoming more and more common. Major manufacturers such as Ford, Daimler/Chrysler, and Fiat now offer dual fuel cars and trucks. These vehicles allow a choice between electric, hybrid, biodiesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) for cleaner emissions. Other large manufacturers such as General Motors, Toyota, and Honda are concentrating on electric...