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 the auto groups' parent company, AutoNation (NYSE:AN), America's largest automotive retailer, and Edmunds.com. 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 an AutoWest or Power Auto Group dealership or listed on AutoWest.com or 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 addition to these green-labeled E-Vehicles, the auto groups will also be identifying what they call "F-Vehicles" with a yellow leaf logo. These are cars and trucks that make use of flex fuel or ethanol-based technology.