To qualify, vehicles must produce at least 28 miles-per-gallon or deliver 10% better fuel efficiency than the average for their vehicle class. The initiative is driven in part by Power Auto Group's parent company, AutoNation, America's largest automotive retailer, and Edmunds.com, the online arm of one of the most well-respected names in industry research and insight. The partnership ensures that all qualifying vehicles are identified and that the fullest range of energy-smart choices is presented to the public.

"We wanted to take the initiative when it comes to increasing the consumer's awareness of just how many fuel efficient vehicles are actually available," said Mike Jackson, chairman and CEO of AutoNation. "Gas prices are so high and concerns over foreign oil are so acute that customers don't just want this information - they need it. Our E-Vehicle program lets them know which vehicles they can count on not only for greater savings, but also for a cleaner conscience and a cleaner environment."

Under the program, every car and truck for sale at a Power dealership or listed on PowerDirect.com that meets the E-Vehicle standards will be marked with a green, leaf-shaped E-Vehicle logo. There will also be an accompanying checklist displaying the particular efficiency criteria that it satisfies.

"In today's time-pressed world, car-shoppers will appreciate that AutoNation is making it easy to see which vehicles achieve the best fuel economy," commented Edmunds.com president Jeremy Anwyl. "This program is likely to generate a great deal of interest, especially as gas prices continue their seasonal climb."

In addition to these green-labeled E-Vehicles, Power Auto Group will also be identifying what it calls "F-Vehicles" with a yellow leaf logo. These are cars and trucks that make use of flex fuel or ethanol-based technology. Both Power and AutoNation agree that promoting the greater consumption of renewable and alternative energy sources will motivate energy companies to more aggressively pursue the production and distribution of non-fossil-based fuels, a critical component of a more responsible energy policy.

This is not AutoNation's first effort to promote more responsible energy consumption. In August of 2006, AutoNation became the first automotive retailer to join with Plug-In-Hybrids Partners to promote fuel efficiency and advance technologies.

Power Auto Group offers E-Vehicles in all classes and across all price ranges. Among the most in-demand models are the Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic Hybrid, the midsize Chevy Malibu and the Mercedes-Benz Diesel. Best in class E-Vehicles include the Toyota Tacoma pick-up, the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV and the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan. For a complete listing of E-Vehicles available, customers are encouraged to visit PowerDirect.com, which currently displays over 80,000 vehicles online in an effort to appeal to the 70% of customers who use the Internet as part of the purchase process.

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