Dubai public transportation to be all hybrid by 2012
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GM has been testing its hybrids as taxis in Dubai since January and the results so far have been so encouraging they feel they may be able to replace the emirates' entire fleet of taxis, government and emergency vehicles by 2012. Despite the heat, sand and humidity on crowded streets, the test fleet has not only held up but also demonstrated their ability to achieve significant cuts in fuel usage and carbon emissions. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai (and father of 18 children) "challenged" the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to pursue an aggressive hybrid implementation strategy in early 2007. The authorities hope that by setting a positive example, ordinary citizens will follow suit, thereby reducing vehicular pollution and making Dubai a more environmentally friendly place. GM saw an opportunity to help
Gallery: GM's hybrid taxis in Dubai
[Source: Khaleej Times]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bob 8:38AM (9/07/2008)
So this (dare I say Islamic?) republic in the midst of the oil rich middle east is going to show the good old US of A how its done... Maybe we can get out butts movin' and do the same
1) Significant subsidies for cars and trucks that get >30 MPG
2) Even bigger subsidies for those that gett >40 MPG (or alternative fuels such as the upcoming electric Chevy Volt)
3) Higher gas guzzler taxes for those that get
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DOM 11:28AM (9/07/2008)
so this is where gm sent all there worthless useless soccer mom gas guzzling suv s that they couldnt sell . with that scam FLEX FUEL now you get 12 mpg instead of 8
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judissi 12:20PM (9/07/2008)
Flex fuel and hybrid is not the same thing. And "soccer Mom" suv's don't get any worse gas mileage than big manly 4 x 4 trucks and Hummers that "soccer DAD's" drive!
forty 11:48AM (9/07/2008)
they look good for a gazillion dollar country,,,dumbasses get a topic that matters
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Bashar 12:05PM (9/07/2008)
Why did you have to plug in the fact that he has 18 children??? What does that have to do with the fact that he is a great leader and an enviromentalist ??? Your president should learn something from this guy. Al Maktoum is very well respected all over the world for all that he has been doing for this little unknown emirates....stop the ignorance and focus on the subject matter.
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Domenick Yoney 4:37AM (9/08/2008)
Bashar,
I meant no disrespect by mentioning his children. I thought it would be "humanizing" after the lengthy formal titles. Most people would think a man with that many children most probably loves kids and has a good heart.
bonefish 12:17PM (9/07/2008)
Hearing that there is something there that isn't the best money can buy, the dubai king decided on a plan:
They will simply take a week or so of oil income and buy GM then they can produce taxies with gold plating, platinum wheels, Gucci steering wheel covers, seats by Prado etc.?
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Jacklyn Lopez 12:25PM (9/07/2008)
Well; at least they are doing the right thing!
Plus; I like the way their taxi's look! Very jazzy!
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Jacklyn Lopez 12:29PM (9/07/2008)
Very cute !
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LeeAnn 1:01PM (9/07/2008)
These are a lot cuter cabs than what we have here in the States. Those ugly yellow things. Seems to me that AOl will put any kind of a spin on their headlines.
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JANET 1:09PM (9/07/2008)
VERY COOL.. SHARP...
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veronica 1:25PM (9/07/2008)
I love the taxi`s in Dubai I also love the fact that the taxi drivers are very courteous, know where they are going and dont try to rip you off unlike some other nations I`ve been to.
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