CAR-makers have been called upon to make more alternative-fuelled vehicles available to fleet operators in time for the next tranche of Government environmental subsidies. Chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust Dr Eoin Lees challenged the manufacturers to introduce more electric and gas-powered cars in time to qualify for next year's £20 million allocation of Government funding under the Powershift programme.

Following Powershift's debut at last month's London Motor Show and the announcement of liquid petroleum gas and compressed natural gas initiatives by several manufacturers, Lees called on the car makers to put these vehicles on the market within six months. He said: 'My challenge is for all manufacturers to make a commitment to produce clean fuel vehicles by March 1998 - in time to tender for another £20 million of clean fuel vehicle orders stimulated by the Powershift Funding Partnerships.'

Car makers have, in turn, called for more Government action to incentivise cleaner fuels and vehicles - stimulating greater demand from fleets and ultimately private users. But Lees said customers were already queuing up to place orders.