Yet at a given airport, these fleets may be owned and operated by a variety of different entities, complicating the recruitment process for AFV proponents. If hotel, parking, taxi, and airport operators commit to implementing alternative fuels together, a much stronger case can be made for investing in a fueling infrastructure. Public transit authorities are another appealing activity center. In effect, the niche market activity center approach is a strategy based on developing a sound and sustainable infrastructure plan rather than one based primarily on acquiring a certain number of vehicles in a region. Although both are important, for many this represents a critical shift in the strategic mindset of alternative fuel marketing, one that could be essential to long-term success.
Air quality is a big reason.
Also, in the aftermath of the recent gasoline and diesel price increases, fleet managers may take a new interest in diversifying their vehicle types as insurance against future price shocks. Good public image is also very important to many fleets. If communicated effectively, the societal benefits of alternative fuels can translate to good press. Anticipating the potential impacts and benefits of alternative fuels in many of these specialized applications, DOE plans to provide focused support to help Clean Cities coordinators and stakeholders approach these types of activity centers. Infrastructure Development Several projects aimed at developing an alternative fueling infrastructure are moving forward.