Town buys five "Smart Cars" (Stratford, CT)

[jpak]

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20198674&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9180&rfi=6

Stratford's mayor, James Miron took on the role as car salesman when he presented five "Smart Cars" at a press conference recently, extolling their fuel efficiency among their other taxpayer, environment-friendly assets.



"The purchase of these Smart ForTwo cars is part of Stratford's Alternative Fuel, High Efficiency and Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Program, which requires all town vehicles to be alternative fuel, high efficiency or hybrid-electric," said Miron.

"For years, the town has operated without a comprehensive written fleet vehicle management plan, and I am proud that only has my administration put together a sound, fiscally-prudent fleet vehicle management plan, but the plan also has an emphasis on protecting our environment.

According to a press release from Fairfield dealership the cars were purchased from, the cars run on gas and average about 33 miles per gallon in the city and 41 on the highway.

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[baldguy]

1. And we wonder why the US auto makers are dying.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

2. 150 mpg ignored by the mainstream

www.afstrinity.com

AFS Trinity Power has developed patent-pending technology that makes it possible for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to achieve 150 MPG, go 40 miles in all-electric mode, and use gasoline for additional unlimited miles in hybrid mode.

In July 2007, in order to very quickly demonstrate all of the key attributes of this technology, the company mounted an effort to build two fully operational XH-150 SUV prototypes using off-the-shelf components. The two vehicles—modified Saturn Vue SUVs—were built in less than six months. They were unveiled on January 13, 2008 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Press Announcement) and (Salon.com test drive report)

On April 8, 2008, AFS Trinity started a cross country tour to give Americans their first onroad look at what CNN and others suggested may be “the car of the future.” The XH-150 arrived at the Capitol Mall in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 20, 2008 (Video of Congressional Ride-and-Drives). On July 22, 2008, AFS Trinity attended the Plug-in 2008 convention in San Jose, CA. (Video: CBS Affiliate coverage I Press Release).

On September 24, 2008, AFS Trinity CEO Edward W. Furia urged Congressional leadership and the Presidential candidates to support $25 Billion Auto stimulus package, provided small innovative companies are not left out and the funds are admin

[gristy]

5. You have been taken in, as many have, by the slight-of-hand used where the

electric power from the socket is not included in the mpg calculation.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

6. If the power came from wind, solar or new clue year, I would be

happy enough. On the other hand, are you saying that AFS Trinity's technology is piffle or groundbreaking?

[gristy]

7. Certainly not groundbreaking. Most probably piffle.

It is misleading at best and a downright lie IMO to calculate mpg where some of those miles come from electricity and the cost of that electricity is not somehow included in the mpg calculation. Further, it is not relevant to the mpg claim as to how green those electrons are.

[sellitman]

3. Miron is our 1st Major too.

Way to go!!!!

Miron: :yourock:

[gristy]

4. The 2009 honda civic hybrid gets 40 city/45 hwy

Maybe the town is buying them because they are cheap ($15,247 each). But they certainly don't have the best gas mileage, and they certainly aren't roomy.