Which green cars should Detroit execs caravan to Washington in?
In lieu of taking private jets for their upcoming second visit to Washington, a new suggestion has recently been made: caravan to the nation's capitol in next-gen, fuel efficient cars. As far as being green goes, perhaps the only better option would be to carpool together, and since we can't see that happening any time soon, let's investigate the other option. Ford would have the easiest choice, as the Blue Oval has just recently introduced its new Fusion hybrid, which is the most efficient vehicle in its class by a wide margin. We suggest they leave the equally-new 2010 Mustang in Dearborn. Chrysler's team could all pile into its new Chrysler EV, which is an electrified minivan. It may never make it into production, but it would at least be visible.
General Motors is a bit tougher. As Motor Trend points out, the General's most advanced hybrid models are trucks and SUVs, not exactly glowing green examples. The Mailbu hybrid would take a major second seat to the Fusion, so that wouldn't do. That leaves us with the, um... Volt? Lutz has stated that the cars are performing well in testing, and we can think of no better or more public way of proving that point. So, what'll it be?
[Sources: Detroit Free Press, Motor Trend]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 9:26AM (11/26/2008)
So, the big 3 can “TRICK” congress into giving them BILLIONS of our tax dollars and hyper inflating the fiat currency using a circus parade? YES, there is a sucker born every minute but WHY do they ALL have to be in Congress???
Like ALL national financial problems, this began with the central bank (Fed), Fiat Currency, flawed Keynesian socialist central planning economics, super expensive global empire, redistribution “entitlements” and FEDERAL DEBT and SOME believe MORE of the SAME will provide change and save GM?
It will, for a little while...
Ultimately, Washington is NOT smarter that the market!! The ONLY end to all this socialist central planning is that we will end up with GM gone AND Hyperinflation causing everything else to cost more! We won't be able to afford the cars they make.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperinflation
Reply
jpm100 11:19AM (11/26/2008)
In terms of potential negative effects, the auto bailout is a drop in the bucket compared to other bailouts that happen some of which seem to happen now overnight without a plan or circus in front of congress.
The attention focused on the auto bailout is a distraction for the mega financial sector bailout that is taking place. But perhaps that's the point.
Dan 10:08AM (11/26/2008)
@ Tim
Wow....If the market is so good why did it screw itself? Republicans views of letting all these companies run themselves without any oversight has led to the situation that we are in now. Why complete socialism may not be perfect, its better than letting the companies crash themselves.
Reply
oollyoumn 9:57AM (11/26/2008)
The Volt was featured in Frontline episode Heat recently. I don't know when it was filmed, but at that time it could only go about 10 mph and quit working altogether after about 15 minutes. In typical GM style they suggested that Frontline speedup playback to make it look like it was going normal speed. Rick may want to start very early, and have a backup plan.
Reply
A Lynch 9:59AM (11/26/2008)
Take the train.
Reply
Dave 9:51PM (11/26/2008)
Yup. Too bad GM sold off their locomotive engine subsidiary in 2005:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro-Motive_Diesel
Nobody Special 10:18AM (11/26/2008)
Maybe they could drive that Audi parked behind them - at least it appears to be an Audi.......
Reply
Joe 1:56PM (11/26/2008)
Those are both Cruzes.
Jim 10:53AM (11/26/2008)
Gee, maybe the auto execs can visit the "Citi/Taxpayer Stadium while they are in the area.
I'm sure none of the exacs will drive all the way to Wash, their time is "way too important"....yeah sure.
Reply
Paul 3:12PM (11/26/2008)
How about a Model T running on E-85
Reply
rob 5:49PM (11/26/2008)
Most fuel-efficient option, for sure. Well, actually a
teleconference would be, but congress likes to have a live audience when they perform.
Next best would be to bring the team down in one of GM's hybrid buses (spesh if it's CNG rather than diesel). And arguably those do more to wean the US off oil than any other vehicle they build...
It probably won't cross their minds to ride down in one, but it would be a good way to show off one of their real, live, profitable, and available-right-now green-transportation success stories.
Reply
H4MM3R 12:41AM (11/27/2008)
2009 Cadillac Escalade HYBRID :)
Reply
GM driver 6:47AM (11/27/2008)
Ha! They won't be carpooling anytime soon. GM just applied to the FAA to hide their private jet flights from Public Record. I guess they hope to continue living large (without anyone knowing about it) but on the taxpayer's back come December.
Reply