speaking of eco-cars and destroying em

[Guest guest]

Ford Battles Hybrid-Friendly Legislation, Destroys Electric Cars

 

Ford Motor Co. CEO Bill Ford's vocal attempts to position his company

as eco-friendly are sounding a little hollow this week. As the

California legislative session nears its end, Ford has ramped up

lobbying efforts to kill a bill that would allow drivers of

fuel-efficient hybrids to drive solo in the state's carpool lanes.

Ford said the measure -- sponsored by Assemblymember Fran Pavley (D)

and backed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ® -- is a " buy Japanese "

bill " intended for almost exclusive use by Toyota Prius drivers. "

Ford took issue with the bill's stipulation that only hybrids getting

at least 45 miles to the gallon would qualify, which would exclude

his company's new hybrid Escape SUV. California Treasurer Phil

Angelides suggested that rather than whining, Ford should focus on

building more fuel-efficient vehicles. Meanwhile, Greenpeace is

protesting Ford's plan to destroy more than 400 of its Think electric

cars, despite an offer from a Norwegian distributor to buy the cars

and sell them to eager customers in Norway.

 

straight to the source: The Sacramento Bee, Margaret Talev, 24 Aug 2004

<http://www.gristmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forward.pl?forward_id=2884>

 

straight to the source: Terra Daily, Agence France-Presse, 24 Aug 2004

<http://www.gristmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forward.pl?forward_id=2885>