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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg Celebrities take new solar powered Prius to the Oscars. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=189033)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Toytoa_Prius_with_Solar_Powered_Roof.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) – Feb. 19, 2009

2010 Toyota Prius-III w/ Solar powered roof option - 50 mpgUS combined on the 08 EPA.

Los Angeles -- Some of the biggest names in show business are again turning the red carpet green this award season by trading in their stretch limos for hybrids and alternative energy vehicles. Some stars even got a sneak preview of the new 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid that among a long list of upgrades features a solar panel on the roof to power fans to cool the car when it's not running. Stars such as Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rosario Dawson, Adrien Grenier and many others demonstrate their support for environmental sustainability by going green to the biggest of all award shows, the Academy AwardsTM.

Toyota and Econation green ground transportation are collaborating to provide the new 2010 Prius to Hollywood celebrities for awards shows and special events. Created in response to demand from entertainment industry clientele, Econation offers chauffeured car service to a number of Fortune 500 clients using the most advanced hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles not generally available to the public in major markets throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

"The entertainment industry is working to influence the rest of the world to use more sustainable options for transportation," stated Ben Bloch, Managing Partner of Econation, "with the new Prius, Toyota continues to break ground and set the right example for the rest of the industry. You might be surprised how many people prefer a Prius over a stretch or an SUV these days. Everyone from CEO's of the biggest film studios to Academy AwardTM nominees request the Prius when they're going out on the town because it makes the best statement from an environmental perspective, and is stylish and comfortable as well."

Econation is a global "green" alternative to traditional ground transportation (taxi's, Town cars, limousines and buses). With a great assortment of the most cutting edge hybrid and alternative fuel based sedans, utility vehicles and buses, it's an easy way for corporations and individuals to be environmentally and socially conscious without sacrificing price, comfort, or dependable service.

Hi All:

___As an addition to the story... I called Toyota corporate and spoke with some of those in charge of the Prius-III for the Red Carpet drives. I pleaded with them to include the 17” alloys on the Prius’ to be used. They were already all over this and more than likely, the Red Carpet drives will be done with the package 5 which includes the much nicer 17” alloys but no solar roof.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/616/30_10_Prius.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/616/33_10_Prius.jpg
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/616/07_10_Prius.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/616/13_10_Prius.jpg

___We all know which vehicle looks better due to the much nicer looking 17” wheels ;)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Pure aluminum! No plastic! If our gold package comes in with plastic hubcaps, they will be removed. I wish I would have measured the 15" aluminum wheel center hole to get a cap ordered to cover it. What is the real purpose of covering an aluminum wheel with PLASTIC?

Toyota has been and continues to be one of the most ethically responsible auto manufacturers, manufacturing cars today. Obama should offer every family in the US an incentive to buy one of these cars that they could not refuse.

Let's see. If 3/4 of the families in America were driving these as their commuters, how much would that reduce our dependence on foreign oil? Our trade imbalance? Wars? How much less money would we be giving OPEC? Would our dollar strengthen if we were not sending so much of our money overseas?

Give me a $10K stimulus check and I'll buy a top of the line and loaded Prius. :D

Those 17" wheels with low profile tire look nice,but i wonder how they would hold up on Detroit's pot holded road's.

... What is the real purpose of covering an aluminum wheel with PLASTIC?

Over on priuschat, some suggested that it is for air resistance, to make the wheels flush with the air flow across the wheel wells. Some of them were suggesting that the wheels underneath look just fine without covers, while others hated the 15"s alltogether.

So far, I'm not stylish enough to care much.

Hi Dean:

___I do not know why those guys "suggest", it is to smooth out the air flow. The Alloys underneath do indeed look better than the goofy looking hubcap guaranteed.

___Good Luck

___Wayne