Scuffle at the L.A. Auto Show: environmentalists vs. Toyota

So I thought I was a jaded L.A. Auto Show attendee, but apparently many more were way more jaded -- and went so far as to cause trouble at the show!

A Rainforest Alliance Network guy confronted Bob Carter of Toyota -- after the unveiling of the gas-guzzling Sequoia, which I made fun of here -- asking why Toyota is in on the suit against California's effort to raise fuel efficiency standards. In reply, Bob knocked the camera out of the RAN dude's hands, according to the Chicago Tribune. Watch the whole thing here:

The RAN people demonstrated across from the L.A. Convention Center, where the show is being held -- and, assuming things went according to plan, converted a hybrid into a plug-in hybrid earlier today. Basically, the RAN people are trying to show the hypocrisy of auto makers who are still saying plug-in hybrids can't be made available to the public for a while yet. Yes, an L.A. Times headline reads "Gas-free cars will soon hit streets," but these are only test fleets for select drivers. The gas-free cars aren't anywhere close to being available for the regular person to purchase.

What the L.A. Auto Show showed was that there's really a serious disconnect between what carmakers are saying and what they're doing. The Wall Street Journal, for example, points out the auto makers' hypocrisy: While selling their green message to consumers, car companies are lobbying against tougher fuel efficiency standards.

While I recognize I'm not anything close to an auto expert, as a consumer, this not walking the talk strategy on the part of auto makers seems to me really counterproductive. Gas prices don't seem to be going down anytime soon, for one. And today, a federal appeals court said it didn't see why SUVs, minivans and pickups should get more lax fuel economy standards.

All of this makes me think organizations like Plug in America -- and companies offering rogue plug-in hybrid conversions -- are likely to see a lot more business and interest.

(Thanks for the tip, Steve)

Comments

[cochon.name]

remember how fuel cells were gonna be available "real soon" and how cars were all gonna be multi-fuel and all the other promises we were made?

it would seem that the auto manufacturers are in collusion with the oil companies.

go figure.

my bicycle is multi fuel - it takes either french fries or tacos, or other stuff too.

[Gerald Shields]

Finally, someone's shined a unflatering light on car manufacturers. Even Toyota, who has a somewhat good reputation for fuel efficiency still makes gas guzzlers. What's the point of selling the Prius if you then turn around and sell the Sequoia?

[Cathy]

Does anyone remember "econoboxes" and the 55 mph speed limit? My 1990 Honda Civic hatchback with manual transmission got an honest 40mpg and it had plenty of cargo room - as much as a Ford Exploder. Of course, if I drove it today, I would be squashed like a bug.

[Siel]

Hey! I own a Honda Civic EX 2-door (on permanent loan, but I still technically own it) and have never been squashed like a but! :P

My bike's been running on the last few farmers' market peaches of the season --

[James]

This is the first car I ever owned...

http://www.audi.com/etc/medialib/cms4imp/audi2/company/history/brands.Par.0056.Image.jpg

It had a two cylinder engine, did 80 in fourth gear with out redlineing, and seated four adults comfortably. The gas gauge was a dip stick so I have no idea what kind of gas mileage it got, but I'd drive it all week, fill up the six gallon tank on pay day, and it would typically take 4-5 gallons at the most.

[Jennifer Regan]

Although I am one to support the "progress not perfect" message for those that are not aware of all of the alternatives that are currently available. I am very frustrated with Toyota and the marketplace hybrid. Siel, your blog is refreshing. I used to get warm fuzzies everytime I saw more then one prius on the road at the same time: But knowing that none of these prius owners realize that Toyota has already sold a successfull Electric RAV-4 that still roams our streets I almost boil over ..my frustration is spreading and I am slowly starting to resent hybrids on the streets.

[Siel]

Perhaps you might be interested in getting involved with Plug In America? It might be a good way to channel that anger into positive action --

[James]

A friend in Oregon just sent sent me this link...

http://www.humancar.com/

This is really exciting! Eye catching and earth friendly to boot. I hope personal transportation like this catches on.

They're taking orders for the first 100 production cars at the above link.

[Siel]

It's cute, but it kind of requires a ready-made carpool, from what I can tell.... I guess if it's just one person, a bike works similarly :P