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