AT&T to spend $565M on Ford hybrids

[Bozita]

Source: Detroit Free Press

AT&T to spend $565M on Ford hybrids
BY JUSTIN HYDE • FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF • MARCH 11, 2009


WASHINGTON – AT&T said today it would spend up to $565 million over the next decade on more than 15,000 hybrid and natural gas-powered vehicles, with Ford Motor Co. as the major beneficiary.

The telecommunications giant said the move was not just an environmental decision, but an effort to help restart the U.S. economy, estimating the spending would create or save 1,000 jobs over the next five years.

"While there are no easy solutions to the challenges facing our nation, this investment is a first step on our part to help boost other industries while at the same time encouraging wider use and production of efficient vehicles and domestic fuel alternatives,” said AT&T Chief Executive Randall Stephenson.

AT&T said it would spend about $350 million on 8,000 compressed natural gas vehicles, mostly trucks, and approximately $215 million to begin replacing its passenger cars with alternative-fuel models.

Read more: http://www.freep.com/article/20090311/BUSINESS01/90311036/AT&T+to+spend+$565M+on+Ford+hybrids

[Sherman A1]

1. Good News Indeed.

This is how it should be.

I have my problems with AT&T as I am sure many do, but this is a good thing!

[tammywammy]

2. That's great news. n/t

[liberal N proud]

3. Just what this economy and the auto industry need right now

This is the kind of thing that will get the economy moving. Putting people to work.

[AndyA]

4. Before anyone thanks AT&T, just remember what they've done to America the last few years.

They were instrumental in spying illegally on Americans, and charged the government big bucks for hook ups, and monthly maintenance fees for their dirty deeds. They profited from their illegal activities.

AT&T has horrible customer service.

AT&T donated $7,975,087 to Republicans in 2002-2006.

I'm happy for Ford, but AT&T is not a friend to the American people.

[Hestia]

5. Thank goodness that a lot of what you state happened before Southwest Bell

bought out AT&T. The workers ARE friends of the American People - they are American People. Didn't know about the repug donations. My DH works there, makes union wages, and is very thankful (especially in today's economy) that he works there. The 1st and 2nd line managers are great, they encourage the tech's to move up the ladder. It really is a good place to work for. But - isn't customer service still in New Jersey? Now if it was down South somewhere... ;)...I'm just saying...

[w4rma]

6. This makes me want to buy an iPhone. Today. (nt)

[dpbrown]

7. Makes me glad I own an iPhone!

Good on ya!

[williesgirl]

8. As much as I hate AT&T for spying on us, this is a good move on their part. More corps should be

doing this. rec'd

[and-justice-for-all]

9. I recall AT&T allowing the ShrubCo to spy on us illegally..or am I mistaken?

[HughMoran]

10. Good to see

Let's have more companies pony up & help us out of this mess we're currently in.

[MISSDem]

11. And didn't I read that At&T is hiring a bunch of folks?

Good for them. But they still have lousy customer service.

[Ian David]

12. Greenwash. n/t

[msongs]

13. AT&T rates to rise soon, as usual, for less service...to pay for these cars

I pay $10 a month required for long distance calls even though I make NO long distance calls. screw customers is the ATT motto.

Msongs