[Peakoil] Green car fund not for petrol models: Xenophon

[Alex Pollard]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/23/2453761.htm?section=justin

An independent Senator has criticised the Federal Government for committing
'green' car funds to support the production of petrol-powered cars.

The Federal Government, along with SA's Government, has committed nearly
$180 million toward Holden's plan to build a four-cylinder car at its
Elizabeth plant in Adelaide's northern suburbs.

SA Senator Nick Xenophon says the 'green' fund should be used for clean or
hybrid car technologies.

"There is nothing green about a petrol car. You can make it more efficient
but that is just fiddling at the margins," he said.

Senator Xenophon is urging Holden to produce an electric hybrid car like its
parent company GM.

South Australia's Treasurer Kevin Foley says the government assistance is
another step towards helping Holden produce 'green' cars in Adelaide.

"What Nick Xenophon is saying is that he's prepared to see 2,000 or 3,000
families in the northern suburbs of Adelaide lose their jobs, have a crisis
within their own families, so he can get on his hobby horse of a green car,"
Mr Foley said.

"We can't do any more than give assistance to Holden to build a green car
and secure the future for families."

________________

Alex
O4O4873828

President
ACT Peak Oil Inc.
http://act-peakoil.org