Feds Order 17,205 "Fuel Efficient" Chrysler, Ford and GM Vehicles
We’ve given you the heads-up on the federal government’s plans to favor domestic automakers with “stimulus sales.” And so it has come to pass. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) reports—eight days after the fact—that they’ve ordered 17,205 “fuel efficient vehicles” at a cost of $287 million. Breaking it down: Uncle Sam bought 2,933 Chryslers ($53 million); 7,924 Fords for ($129 million); and 6,348 General Motors vehicles ($105 million). Does it strike anyone as odd that FoMoCo gets the largest contract? Not-so-secret hat tip for NOT taking bailout bucks, while competing against those who have? Or just a reflection of the fact that the Crown Vic rules! Which reminds me: by NOT revealing the exact models ordered, one has to wonder about the depth of the GSA’s commitment to greening-up the fed’s fleet. On this point, the press release is suitably vague, and yet completely revealing . . .
GSA is committed to spending Recovery dollars quickly and wisely,” said Commissioner James A. Williams of GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service. “Simultaneously, we are focused on acquiring vehicles that will provide long-term environmental benefits and savings by increasing the fuel efficiency of the Federal fleet.”
Each new fuel efficient vehicle replaces, on a one-for-one basis, operational motor vehicles in the federal inventory that met replacement standards.Each new vehicle will have a higher miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating than the one it replaces.
Where are these vehicles built? U.S. only? Canada? Mexico? South Korea? TTAC is investigating, looking for the exact specs.
Anyway, one day, the domestics will compare themselves to something other than themselves. Or their cross-town rivals. And then, maybe, the feds will set an actual fuel efficiency standard for their fleet. And allow all automakers to compete for their biz, and reward excellence rather than political realities.
Me, I’m not in the breath-holding biz.
[Thanks to Frank Williams for the tip.]
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"Does it strike anyone as odd that FoMoCo gets the largest contract?" I wonder how many of them are Escape Hybrids? The Escape Hybrid is a useful vehicle for many different purposes and doesn't have any real competition from GM or Chrysler. "And allow all automakers to compete for their biz, and reward excellence rather than political realities." I'm sure we are soon to see the Japanese government buying Hyundais, the Germans buying Nissans and the French government stocking up on Volkswagens. Not likely
I wrk for the California Department of Health and have the joy of choosing between a 12 year old Jeep, a 10 year old Full size 4WD Dodge truck, and an 8 year old Durango. I've got uncomfortable, uncomfortable and dangerous, and comfortable (relatively) and dangerous. Oh yeah, and none of them get as good gas mileage as my 58 Chevy truck. I wish I got to drive a Crown Vic. A lot of the people in my office would rather pile the miles up on their own vehicles than drive one of the state vehicle.