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Originally Posted by GreenAndBlue
I know that the person interviewed for the article was horribly misquoted, and his words were twisted out of context in order to fit the writer's slant on the article.
How do I know this ? Because I'm the person who was interviewed for the article.  |
Don't be too hard on yourself ... the writer obviously had a conclusion that he intended to present; you were just his example.
Unfortunately the author is correct about most Americans ... including me. We are reluctant to give up performance, space, luxury, etc for something that is small, green and fuel efficient. Like the Honda spokesman states ... "we have those cars too." The Accord, Highlander, Lexus, Escape and other recent additions to the hybrid stable are interesting to those wanting a greener car without the sacrifice.
I'm a perfect example from the non-hybrid side of the equation. I push the biodiesel alternative seeing it as a renewable, cleaner and domestic option available now. It can be used in anything from a 18mpg Cummins powered diesel pickup for a contractor to an 18 wheeler moving freight down the highway. But in the smaller car market, it can also be used the VW Polo (only in Europe) to achieve impressive fuel economy. Unfortunately at this time in the states our options are limited, but we do have a few small car choices that routinely brag mileage over 50 mpg.
That isn't alway good enough, as they arrive to our shores in a 'detuned' state largely because of the dirty diesel fuels we are still pumping. (changing next year) Those of us unhappy with the detuned engine, often opt for euro-spec aftermarket chips and fuel injectors that nearly double the horsepower and torque and are still comfortably able to achieve near 50mpg. (unfortunately at an emissions sacrifice especially running petroleum diesel)
I believe the valid concern in the NYTimes article is that the tax credit does not fairly credit someone for driving green and driving a high mile per gallon vehicle ... but offer the tax credit to those choosing to by a hybrid that hardly reduces ones overall fuel use. This is an argument often hear from those of us paying a slight premium to drive biodiesel powered diesels that burn half as much fuel as many cars on the road ... now including 'lower' mileage hybrids.