The two major U.S. presidential candidates, Barrack Obama and John McCain, have both expressed an interest in investing Federal money into green automotive technology. Although both men have differing ideas about what may be the best way to move forward, it's becoming clear that green automotive technology will be a point for debate as the election nears. This week, Obama visited with leading members of the Detroit automotive scene, including Rick Wagoner from General Motors and Alan Mulally from Ford, both of whom seemed pleased with how the dialogue went. When asked by Obama what he, as President, could do to help the ailing auto industry in the U.S., Wagoner responded by suggesting that the government contribute funds into the research and development of emerging technologies, such as automotive batteries. Maybe more than $30m, perhaps?
Assuming that the cost for new eco-friendly technology will be passed on to the consumer, Wagoner also suggested that the government make it easier to get into a new green car, which has been done to good effect with hybrid vehicles already. Obama, for his part, said he saw "surprising consensus" among the automotive industry representatives, so we'd imagine similar suggestions were heard all around.
Update: Fixed Rick Wagoner's name, thanks!
[Sources: The Detroit News, Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Assuming that the cost for new eco-friendly technology will be passed on to the consumer, Wagoner also suggested that the government make it easier to get into a new green car, which has been done to good effect with hybrid vehicles already. Obama, for his part, said he saw "surprising consensus" among the automotive industry representatives, so we'd imagine similar suggestions were heard all around.
Update: Fixed Rick Wagoner's name, thanks!
[Sources: The Detroit News, Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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