Subaru: The brand that specializes in all-wheel drive vehicles presented...???
Like I've already mentioned, what I like about this company's vehicles, is the fact that represent the answer for those who say that they need a SUV for the safety of four-wheel drive in winter. Not only does an all-wheel drive vehicle solve that problem, but its lower center of gravity makes them more stable on the road. In general, they represent as a less-polluting and more efficient alternative to SUVs, even though they present no new technology. They are, however, developing a frustrating tendency to make their vehicles more and more powerful, which means more fuel-consuming.
GRADE: B-
The ultra-luxury vehicles OR Vehicles for those who believe being rich means they can shamelessly pollute others
For ultra-luxury brands such as Maserati, Ferrari, Bentley, etc.:
I've said it already, and I'll say it again. We tend to believe the fact that because some people have the money to purchase these vehicles that consume ridiculously (several of these cars use as much fuel as big SUVs), that they can limitlessly pollute and emit greenhouse gas emissions. In short, the richer we are, the more ecologically irresponsible we become? Nothing will convince us to think otherwise. When we say that rich people live on another planet... even they seem to believe it!
The Lexus case shows us that there is room for improvement. Dear manufacturer friends, the reality is simple. You're behind the times!
COLLECTIVE GRADE: F
A small particular case: Porsche, which is soon commercializing a hybrid Cayenne, and their Cayman features reasonable fuel economy. OK, it's not great, but it's better than the others. In addition, the recyclability of their vehicles is much higher than those of their competitors. We'll talk about that later.
GRADE: C
Once again this year, HUMMER doesn't indicate any fuel economy numbers in their vehicle details. Bizarre... And, it isn't the arrival of their new, more-economical, model that will make me forgive them. For their overall uselessness, here's their grade:
GRADE: F
The other aspects of the show
First of all, let's talk about the Green Zone. This section, which was dedicated to green vehicles, was better than last year. It presented hybrid vehicles, diesels and a hydrogen-powered prototype. There were more explanations than before. This aspect deserves a "B-". Also, there were representatives of the hydrogen technology, engineers and conference speakers on the future of transportation. For this section, again this year, I give an "A". And, for their location, a "C".
The green side of the show
Once again this year, I'm giving a bad grade to ALL manufacturers and stands that print their information and advertising on non-recycled paper. Let's also not forget that it's almost always enamelled paper, which is harder to recycle. Once again this year, there were no recycle bins. If the show wants to be so coherent, it will have to set the example. However, unlike certain criticisms about the lack of available parking, I'd say that the access by the subway was easy. Also, they hand out $2 rebates to those who show their subway or bus pass (of the same day, obviously). Good idea.
In short, the director of the show told me last year that they had the intention of creating a green section. It would increase in size year after year in order to make Montreal the hub of green technologies. I must concede that they have kept their promise. It's not coming along quickly enough, in my opinion, but I have less and less the impression that I'm alone on this crusade. And that's good to see.
Like I've already mentioned, what I like about this company's vehicles, is the fact that represent the answer for those who say that they need a SUV for the safety of four-wheel drive in winter. Not only does an all-wheel drive vehicle solve that problem, but its lower center of gravity makes them more stable on the road. In general, they represent as a less-polluting and more efficient alternative to SUVs, even though they present no new technology. They are, however, developing a frustrating tendency to make their vehicles more and more powerful, which means more fuel-consuming.
GRADE: B-
The ultra-luxury vehicles OR Vehicles for those who believe being rich means they can shamelessly pollute others
For ultra-luxury brands such as Maserati, Ferrari, Bentley, etc.:
I've said it already, and I'll say it again. We tend to believe the fact that because some people have the money to purchase these vehicles that consume ridiculously (several of these cars use as much fuel as big SUVs), that they can limitlessly pollute and emit greenhouse gas emissions. In short, the richer we are, the more ecologically irresponsible we become? Nothing will convince us to think otherwise. When we say that rich people live on another planet... even they seem to believe it!
The Lexus case shows us that there is room for improvement. Dear manufacturer friends, the reality is simple. You're behind the times!
COLLECTIVE GRADE: F
A small particular case: Porsche, which is soon commercializing a hybrid Cayenne, and their Cayman features reasonable fuel economy. OK, it's not great, but it's better than the others. In addition, the recyclability of their vehicles is much higher than those of their competitors. We'll talk about that later.
GRADE: C
Once again this year, HUMMER doesn't indicate any fuel economy numbers in their vehicle details. Bizarre... And, it isn't the arrival of their new, more-economical, model that will make me forgive them. For their overall uselessness, here's their grade:
GRADE: F
The other aspects of the show
First of all, let's talk about the Green Zone. This section, which was dedicated to green vehicles, was better than last year. It presented hybrid vehicles, diesels and a hydrogen-powered prototype. There were more explanations than before. This aspect deserves a "B-". Also, there were representatives of the hydrogen technology, engineers and conference speakers on the future of transportation. For this section, again this year, I give an "A". And, for their location, a "C".
The green side of the show
Once again this year, I'm giving a bad grade to ALL manufacturers and stands that print their information and advertising on non-recycled paper. Let's also not forget that it's almost always enamelled paper, which is harder to recycle. Once again this year, there were no recycle bins. If the show wants to be so coherent, it will have to set the example. However, unlike certain criticisms about the lack of available parking, I'd say that the access by the subway was easy. Also, they hand out $2 rebates to those who show their subway or bus pass (of the same day, obviously). Good idea.
In short, the director of the show told me last year that they had the intention of creating a green section. It would increase in size year after year in order to make Montreal the hub of green technologies. I must concede that they have kept their promise. It's not coming along quickly enough, in my opinion, but I have less and less the impression that I'm alone on this crusade. And that's good to see.