In Boost for Detroit, Obama to Buy Fuel-Efficient Fleet for Uncle Sam

[steven johnson]

It looks like the Obama Administration will lead by example when it comes th fuel efficient cars.

President Obama yesterday announced plans to buy 17,600 American-made, fuel-efficient cars and hybrids for the government fleet, the White House's latest gambit to steer aid to the nation's beleaguered automakers.

By June 1, the government plans to spend $285 million in stimulus funds to buy fuel-efficient vehicles from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. The purchase is slated to include 2,500 hybrid sedans, the largest one-time purchase of hybrid vehicles to date for the federal fleet.
"This is only a first step, but I will continue to ensure that we are working to support the American auto industry during this difficult period of restructuring," Obama said in a statement.

Each vehicle must have a better fuel economy rating than the one it replaces. The government aims to boost the new fleet's overall fuel efficiency at least 10 percent.

During his campaign, Obama spoke of his desire to convert the White House fleet to battery-powered vehicles within the year, as security permitted, and by 2012 he said he wanted half of the cars the federal government buys to be plug-in hybrids or electric.


In Boost for Detroit, Obama to Buy Fuel-Efficient Fleet for Uncle Sam

[Political Heretic]

1. This is excellent.

Cheers

[pscot]

2. Republicons will probably complain

But during the deep recession of the early 80's the Post Office bought thousands of Chrysler's K-cars, coincident with the Chrysler bailout under St. Ronnie.