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All New Cars Will Be Green Stuart Lieberman, Esq., For that last two decades, we have all heard about air quality problems in this country. There are still acute problems in the NorthEast and California. While some blame many of the problems on old, inefficient factory smoke stack emissions, everyone agrees that auto emissions have played at least some role. In January, the major car manufacturers showed off their new models, as well as "concept cars," cars that will not be available for many years, if ever. There was a common theme at this year's show, and it had nothing to do with creature comforts or chrome. This was the green year -- not green as in money, but green as in environmentally friendly.
The car is a hybrid, relying on battery power for its accessories and for boosting acceleration, and otherwise running on diesel fuel. The use of hybrids appears to be one route that the automakers plan to use to increase fuel economy. Another option is the all-electric powered vehicle. GM and Ford also made major green announcements at the show. Ford introduced a new sports utility vehicle that will rely on a larger catalytic converter, starting in 1999. This will greatly reduce engine emissions. Sports utility vehicles are generally regarded as more pollution prone.
Ford introduced a new prototype that gets 63 mpg. The sedan is the same size as a Taurus and has all of the usual amenities, but it weighs 40% less than a Taurus.
The Big Three have worked cooperatively in the "Partnership For a New Generation of
Vehicles." Members include the Big Three, related companies and the Department of Energy. Nissan belongs to another alliance, called the "National Low Emission Vehicle program." This organization is looking for ways to reduce smog in the Northeast and other parts of the U.S. Nissan announced that it shall provide cars that are 70% cleaner that today's cars beginning with the 1999 model year. That means we should start to see these cars in just a few months. The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.
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Blue, white and black will still be available, but all cars will be greener as well. For
example, Chrysler announced that it is developing a new model that will get 70 mpg. It will be a family size sedan, with all the amenities found in a conventional car. Chrysler anticipates that the new model will be available in the year 2003.
Chrysler is also looking to increase fuel efficiency through the use of a new plastic body. Though the lighter weight material does reduce emissions, at the present time it is too costly for regular production.