Ford opposes Calif. hybrid car bill
08-25-2004, 11:48 AM
#1
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Ford opposes Calif. hybrid car bill
Reuters / August 25, 2004
Ford Motor Co. has urged California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to scuttle a plan to let certain single-occupant hybrid cars into the state's carpool lanes, calling it a "special-interest measure" that will spur sales of Asian cars.
"This special-interest measure is intended for almost exclusive use by Toyota Prius drivers," CEO Bill Ford said in a letter to Schwarzenegger last week.
The bill -- AB 2628 -- proposes that 75,000 permits be set aside to let owners of hybrid vehicles that average at least 45 mpg drive with only one occupant in carpool lanes.
Buyers of Ford's compact hybrid SUV, which is expected to be available this fall, would not qualify to drive in the carpool lanes because it gets about 36 mpg.
Toyota Motor Co.'s Prius hybrid car and Honda Motor Co.'s Civic and Insight hybrids meet the legislation's requirements.
"We are chagrined to see AB 2628 amounts to a 'Buy Japanese' bill," Ford said in the letter, which was copied to lawmakers who have yet to vote on the bill.
Calls to Schwarzenegger's office for comment were not returned.
Ford has continued to lose market share this year to Asian rivals led by Toyota.
"AB 2628 puts our workers and stockholders at a competitive disadvantage precisely when Ford is entering the hybrid market," Ford said.
Ford Motor Co. has urged California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to scuttle a plan to let certain single-occupant hybrid cars into the state's carpool lanes, calling it a "special-interest measure" that will spur sales of Asian cars.
"This special-interest measure is intended for almost exclusive use by Toyota Prius drivers," CEO Bill Ford said in a letter to Schwarzenegger last week.
The bill -- AB 2628 -- proposes that 75,000 permits be set aside to let owners of hybrid vehicles that average at least 45 mpg drive with only one occupant in carpool lanes.
Buyers of Ford's compact hybrid SUV, which is expected to be available this fall, would not qualify to drive in the carpool lanes because it gets about 36 mpg.
Toyota Motor Co.'s Prius hybrid car and Honda Motor Co.'s Civic and Insight hybrids meet the legislation's requirements.
"We are chagrined to see AB 2628 amounts to a 'Buy Japanese' bill," Ford said in the letter, which was copied to lawmakers who have yet to vote on the bill.
Calls to Schwarzenegger's office for comment were not returned.
Ford has continued to lose market share this year to Asian rivals led by Toyota.
"AB 2628 puts our workers and stockholders at a competitive disadvantage precisely when Ford is entering the hybrid market," Ford said.
08-25-2004, 12:00 PM
#4
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This bill makes perfect sense. Two people in a car getting 23 MPG are allowed in the HOV lane, so why shouldn't one person in a car getting 45 MPG be allowed? They both are using the same gallons per occupant.
Ford, don't blame politicians for getting left behind in the hybrid race. Ford and GM made a strategic decision to skip hybrid and go straight to fuel cell, and now they are paying the price.
Ford, don't blame politicians for getting left behind in the hybrid race. Ford and GM made a strategic decision to skip hybrid and go straight to fuel cell, and now they are paying the price.
08-25-2004, 12:05 PM
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Originally Posted by TSX Hokie
This bill makes perfect sense. Two people in a car getting 23 MPG are allowed in the HOV lane, so why shouldn't one person in a car getting 45 MPG be allowed? They both are using the same gallons per occupant.
Ford, don't blame politicians for getting left behind in the hybrid race. Ford and GM made a strategic decision to skip hybrid and go straight to fuel cell, and now they are paying the price.
Ford, don't blame politicians for getting left behind in the hybrid race. Ford and GM made a strategic decision to skip hybrid and go straight to fuel cell, and now they are paying the price.
Just trying to postpone the inevitable...
08-25-2004, 12:06 PM
#6
She said: it's GINORMOUS!
Ford sucks!
Ford needs to increase it's welfare check to toyota for more hybrid assistance!
i'm glad Cali is doing this, otherwise we'll be relying on dino fuel from the Middle East for the rest of our friggin lives...some state's gotta take the initiative!!
Ford needs to increase it's welfare check to toyota for more hybrid assistance!
i'm glad Cali is doing this, otherwise we'll be relying on dino fuel from the Middle East for the rest of our friggin lives...some state's gotta take the initiative!!
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08-25-2004, 01:32 PM
#9
Race Director
Come to think of it there used to be a VW (jetta?) diesel that had EPA milage of over 45MPG - but I guess that would not apply. Lots of small diesels get that kind of milage - including the Euro Accord diesel - but of course those are not sold in NA. Heck, CA won't even allow the new MB E320 diesel to be sold there.
08-25-2004, 01:58 PM
#11
I think for needs to suck it up and deal with it.
In the words of one of my friends... "Cry me a river, build a bridge, and get the fuck over it."
Or better yet, they could do what GM does anytime it can't build a decent car and "partner up" with a Japanese car company.
In the words of one of my friends... "Cry me a river, build a bridge, and get the fuck over it."
Or better yet, they could do what GM does anytime it can't build a decent car and "partner up" with a Japanese car company.
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