Big Apple Black Cars Go Green
According to The New York Times, Big Apple mayor Michael Bloomberg is about mandate that the City's 10k car service limos must average 25 mpg by 2009 and 30 mpg by 2010. As the vehicles in question currently average between 12 and 15 mpg, they'd almost certainly require hybrid drivetrains to achieve Bloomberg's lofty goals. The plan requires approval by New York's Taxi and Limousine Commission. Passage seems likely. Commissioner Mathew W. Daus' says "it is to the great credit of black-car industry leaders that they have collectively embraced Mayor Bloomberg's efforts to reduce harmful emissions." Daus' willingness to green-up may something to do with the fact that Hizzoner isn't going force limo companies to comply with the new standards through punitive fines. Instead, Bloomberg is proposing a state sales tax waiver on purchases of more efficient limos and low-interest financing, through corporate partnerships with Deutsche Bank, Lehman Brothers, and Hudson Toyota/Penske Auto Group.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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Maybe the boys from "Top Gear" can weld something up for Mike...
@Paul The long-wheelbase Chrysler 300C with the MB Blue-tec 3 liter diesel would be one very available and un-radical solution. I don't think the 3.0 is even necessary. If I were Chrysler, I would make a LWB 300C with the 2.2 4-cylinder diesel for that market. There's a reason why that engine powers a large portion of the world's taxis.
What is the city MPG on a MB Bluetec? I think it can work!
George Soros' ride of choice was MB wagon.