In a turnaround in attitude, Ford, GM and Chrysler CEO’s drove to Washington DC in hybrid/green cars to demonstrate no doubt, pointedly attempting to demonstrate their green credentials to Congress and also to alleviate the PR fall out from turning up in corporate jets.
The Big 3 were slapped down by Congress last month when they were asking for a combined $25 billion bail out; now they are back and asking for $34 billion but there is a lot more being tied into the deal than just a trio of fat cats shouting, “Sho Me the Money!”.
Key to their proposals are the continuing development of green alternatives and a strategy to reduce prices of green cars and especially hybrids. I think this is the right way to go; Congress and our lawmakers have a clear opportunity to lead by example in the development of the green economy and the car industry is giving them a gift on a plate.
Forcing the American car industry to develop green alternatives which are commercially viable for all of us is a major step forward for America. The deal that is being put on the table is sending out another message as well; GM is introducing massive savings programs which include ending production of gas guzzling hogs such as the Hummer as part of any economic rescue package.
We have to be clear here; whatever comes out of the deal, and I do not doubt that America’s car makers need help, this is our money and it must be spent on what will not just help the automakers but the country at large as well; in fact, this whole deal should turn on what is in America’s interests and not the car companies.
For the last thirty years, we have been told that green cars are 10 years away and that 10 years has never seemed to have gotten closer; now is an opportunity to lay down true foundations for a green auto industry that will deliver green cars for all of America and if it takes 10 years or 20 doesn’t matter; it’s where we are heading and the bail out needs to be attuned to that fact of life so that we can have the green Kansas Honda, Kansas Toyota, and Kansas Ford vehicles that we need and deserve..
