Re: Cleanest Car?

From: BillK (bill@wkidston.freeserve.co.uk)
Date: Mon Mar 10 2003 - 04:40:25 MST

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    On Sun Mar 09, 2003 08:16 pm Spudboy commented:
    > So far, Japan's Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and Toyota Motor Corp. are the
    > leading makers of hybrid automobiles. Hybrids have fossil fuel engines
    > that work alternatively or in concert with electric motors to reduce
    > smog emissions and increase fuel economy, without ever having to be
    > plugged in.

    They seem to be especially popular in sunny California.
    Maybe fuel economy = pay less gas taxes??

    Jan. 04, 2003 The Mercury News reported:
    http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/business/4873219.htm
    that lots of California celebs are getting hybrid runabouts.

    "Sales of hybrids grew 43 percent in 2002 to about 36,000 vehicles,
    including the Prius, the two-door Honda Insight and the Honda Civic
    Hybrid sedan. The cars are especially popular in California. A Honda
    executive estimated that 20 percent of its hybrid models are sold in
    California. Toyota's San Francisco region tops the country in Prius
    sales, while its Los Angeles region is second. About a quarter of the
    20,000 Prius models sold in 2002 were sold in California."

    Feb. 11, 2003 The Mercury News reported:
    http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/2003/02/11/business/5153949.htm
    "The city of Los Angeles has increased its fleet of Toyota Prius hybrid
    gas-electric cars from 23 to 130, Toyota Motor Sales USA said Monday."

    Even General Motors and Chevrolet are announcing plans for hybrid
    vehicles. But I can foresee problems persuading Mike Lorrey to drive an
    SUV that goes putt-a-putt-a-putt with a lawnmower-size engine! They will
    have to put electronics in to connect the sound system to the gas pedal
    and broadcast loud roaring noises when you tramp on the gas pedal.

    Keep on truckin' BillK

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