Lotus Rental Car Assessment on Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Randy W. Hinson, Tina Campbell, Tyler Steinle
COMM/215 Essentials of College Writing
August 16, 2012
Lauren Lubas
Lotus Rental Car Assessment on Alternative Fuel Vehicles
The rental car industry is a very competitive business. Adding alternative fuel vehicles to the fleet will not only keep Lotus Rental Car Company competitive but also increase its customer base. Today’s customers are looking to rent vehicles that not only safeguard the environment but also save money. The cost of oil today is at the highest level seen to date. With the rise in the cost of fuel, Alternative Fuel Vehicles have caught the interest to the consumers. As a general manager in the industry and individuals who not only rent vehicles but also have a major attentiveness in saving money for the customer as well as the business. Including Alternate Fuel Vehicle options to the Lotus fleet will lower the cost of, which will increase the customer base and have a major positive influence on the environment.
Within the vehicle industry there are six alternative fuel vehicle categories. They include Hybrids, Flex Fuel, Biodiesel, and propane vehicles. Each of these vehicles is better for the environment and are what the economy are referring to as going green. The costs of each of these vehicles vary in price. For example the cost of a Hybrid may be more expensive when first purchased but the offset of the fuel and maintenance will help maintain the vehicles value making the purchase well worth your money. According to "US Department Of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy" (2012). “More than a dozen alternative fuels are in production or under development for use in alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles. Government and private-sector vehicle fleets are the primary users of these fuels and vehicles, but consumers are increasingly interested in them. Using alternative fuels and advanced vehicles instead of conventional fuels and vehicles helps the United States reduce petroleum use and vehicle emissions.”
There are many more to cover below is a list of pros and cons of each of these vehicles, According to the magazine of Consumers Reports.org.
Hybrids:
Pros: Potential for excellent fuel economy, run on existing gasoline supplies, and drive just like regular cars, requiring no behavioral change.
Cons: Some hybrids cost much more than similar conventional cars. Some don't live up to the gas mileage buyers may expect, especially considering the extra purchase price. On a mass scale, they are considered too little, too late.
Plug-in hybrids:
Pros: All-electric range can address short commutes for many drivers, home recharging infrastructure is available, gas engine can extend range for long trips, no vehicle emissions, and cheaper per-mile cost when running in electric mode.
Cons: Expensive additional batteries elevate production cost, daytime recharging could strain electric grid, and requires plugging in to reap the benefit. Fuel-mileage benefits are highly dependent on driving habits and frequently overstated.
Ethanol:
Pros: Reduces demand for foreign oil, low emissions, can potentially be produced from waste materials, existing cars can use 10-percent blends (called E10), and more than 8 million cars already on the road can use E85.
Cons: Twenty-five percent lower fuel economy on E85 than gasoline. Less than 1 percent of U.S. gas stations carry E85. Federal fuel economy credits awarded to automakers for E85 cars lower overall fuel economy for all cars. Ethanol made from any food crop can adversely affect food prices. Farm equipment involved in crop production runs on petroleum limiting the net benefits.
Compressed natural gas:
Pros: Costs much less than gasoline, burns much cleaner, and provides comparable power. It is an abundant natural resource in the United States.
Cons: Huge gas tanks reduce trunk space and carry the equivalent of only a few