msantos
07-22-2009, 07:20 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Canadian_Flag.jpg Do nothing and be blamed for letting an industry wither (http://www.thestar.com/article/668699)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Pop_Sci_End_The_Fossil_Energy_Fix.jpgTyler Hamilton - THESTAR (http://www.thestar.com) - July 21, 2009
As usual: Good intentions mean little if not backed up by matching deeds. --Ed.
The goal is to have one out of every 20 cars on Ontario roads be a plug-in vehicle by 2020.
Automotive consultant Dennis DesRosiers is calling it a "desperate move to appear green." The Star, in a recent editorial, called it an "ill-thought-out subsidy scheme" that favours one green technology over others.
Both of these comments are missing the bigger picture. This isn't about supporting a particular type of green technology or a particular company. It's about acknowledging the global rush toward the electrification of transportation, and taking the early steps that will be necessary to compete against other jurisdictions for investment and jobs.
There's no disputing the bad optics of having Premier Dalton McGuinty announce the incentives last week at a GM Chevrolet dealership, with Chevy's new Volt electric car in tow. The province now owns a small stake in the newly restructured GM, so it's easy to accuse McGuinty of playing favourites – as Toyota Canada did.
But the Volt is just one of several cars that will qualify for the incentives in coming years, and it won't necessarily be the first to hit the market. Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Toyota all plan to have plug-in hybrids or electric cars in commercial production between 2010 and 2012.
Tesla Motors is already selling in Ontario, though the price tag is prohibitive for most. Other newcomers to expect include Bright Automotive, Think Global, Coda Automotive, Phoenix Motorcars and Toronto's own ZENN Motor. And don't forget Chinese automakers, such as Chery, Geely and Warren Buffett-backed BYD. There's also Canadian auto-parts giant Magna International.
"We're trying to send a signal to the automotive industry that goes far beyond the five major manufacturers we have in Ontario," said an official in the premier's office, adding that McGuinty and International Trade Minister Sandra Pupatello have been courting many of these companies for months.... http://www.thestar.com/article/668699
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Pop_Sci_End_The_Fossil_Energy_Fix.jpgTyler Hamilton - THESTAR (http://www.thestar.com) - July 21, 2009
As usual: Good intentions mean little if not backed up by matching deeds. --Ed.
The goal is to have one out of every 20 cars on Ontario roads be a plug-in vehicle by 2020.
Automotive consultant Dennis DesRosiers is calling it a "desperate move to appear green." The Star, in a recent editorial, called it an "ill-thought-out subsidy scheme" that favours one green technology over others.
Both of these comments are missing the bigger picture. This isn't about supporting a particular type of green technology or a particular company. It's about acknowledging the global rush toward the electrification of transportation, and taking the early steps that will be necessary to compete against other jurisdictions for investment and jobs.
There's no disputing the bad optics of having Premier Dalton McGuinty announce the incentives last week at a GM Chevrolet dealership, with Chevy's new Volt electric car in tow. The province now owns a small stake in the newly restructured GM, so it's easy to accuse McGuinty of playing favourites – as Toyota Canada did.
But the Volt is just one of several cars that will qualify for the incentives in coming years, and it won't necessarily be the first to hit the market. Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Toyota all plan to have plug-in hybrids or electric cars in commercial production between 2010 and 2012.
Tesla Motors is already selling in Ontario, though the price tag is prohibitive for most. Other newcomers to expect include Bright Automotive, Think Global, Coda Automotive, Phoenix Motorcars and Toronto's own ZENN Motor. And don't forget Chinese automakers, such as Chery, Geely and Warren Buffett-backed BYD. There's also Canadian auto-parts giant Magna International.
"We're trying to send a signal to the automotive industry that goes far beyond the five major manufacturers we have in Ontario," said an official in the premier's office, adding that McGuinty and International Trade Minister Sandra Pupatello have been courting many of these companies for months.... http://www.thestar.com/article/668699