By Ann Barlow, GreenPepper
Yesterday I read that Pres. Bush doesn't want to make additional environmental standards part of any potential bailout agreement. But, assuming the bailout takes place -- and I think it should; after all, unlike Wall Street, they actually make a product -- we need something in return.
Ford, Chrysler and GM have to ditch all their old assumptions about designing cars. They CAN make cars that are energy efficient and they should be required to do so in exchange for use of our hard-earned money. In time, they'll find they can make cars that are not only efficient, but also stylish and affordable. That will ensure that they themselves are sustainable as businesses.
To me, if no energy efficiency standards are called for, then I would ask Congress not to help. Hey, let the oil companies pay for the bailout in that case. They'll still rot the planet together, but at least it won't be with our money.
Have to agree. Ford has actually been doing quite well with compact cars in Europe for a while now, but they have failed to translate that success to the U.S. market. The Ford Fiesta, which is a hot ticket in Europe, is apparently heading to the U.S. in 2010, unchanged. GM and Chrystler have a lot more catching up to do.
Posted by: Matt | November 21, 2008 at 05:12 PM