Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stpik
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Meanwhile, Honda and Toyota remain ahead of the curve, because they developed hybrids five years BEFORE gas prices jumped. They covered all the bases when they didn't really have to, and when the game changed, they were ready. . . .
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They did this in part because of the partnership for a future auto, Al Gore's program for an 80 MPG car. Everyone had various stages of prototypes and concept cars right up until GW Bush took office and decided to reverse every Clinton era program. For cars, he took the partnership money for the hydrogen fool-cell programs. Meanwhile, the Japanese were ready to compete with Al Gore's program and for a few years, looked to be 'the chump.'
But Toyota learned they could sell every Prius that came to the States and Honda discontinued to Insight but kept the Honda Civic on. Toyota also saw the same future Al Gore could see and decided to make a long-term gamble that has paid off. Ford was also on the same track but then they ran off the lady in charge of their hybrid program and remain with just two in their stable.
GW Bush repeated Reagan's example who also ripped out Jimmy Carter's energy programs. Today, we pay the price for electing these short-sighted "leaders." Tomorrow, the deficits they ran up become due.
Bob Wilson