Bluewater Network launching ads against Toyota

Bluewater sats Toyota’s newest “gas guzzler” hybrids, the Highlander and Lexus RX 400h, get no better fuel economy than their non-hybrid versions. Bluewater also points out that Toyota is working with other automakers to resist the federal government’s efforts to raise fuel economy standards, and to fight California’s proposed tighter clean air standards. Finally, the environmental group notes that Toyota’s fleet-average fuel economy is worse than it was 20 years ago.

Bluewater Network attacked Bill Ford Jr. for failing to walk the talk on Ford Motor’s environmental promises, portraying him as a long-nosed Pinocchio.

I think Bluewater Network doesn't have much credibility. It is just to go against Toyota’s latest ‘what if the air was clean again?’ campaign.

Source: www.freep.com

How could you seriously say that the hybrids dont get better fuel economy than their non-hybrid versions? They do get better, and it all depends on driving conditions. Also they reduce emissions and are better for the environment. If this is true for Toyota SUVs, it has to be true for the Ford Escape Hybrid because it uses Toyota patented technology. I think the Ford and Toyota hybrids are great and is a step in producing cleaner vehicles, especially SUVs.

[Ratko]

I think they were just saying the hybrid SUV's. From the real-world owners, it's aparently true that the MPG is only slightly better in the hybrid versions. The cars however, have no doubt better fuel economy than the full-gasoline models.

[Tideland Prius]

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=11757

Yeah, we have a slight problem with that particular news article too

thx for the link Tideland Prius!

[Bakemono]

You would think that if they are so worried about air quality, they'd go after GM and their gas guzzling V8s. Id hardly call the Highlander Hybrid a gas guzzler.
Cap'n

[Cyorke]

Well that is probably why Toyota has gone the route of IF the air was cleaner advertising. It is not only a matter of higher fuel economy but environmentally friendly also. SPeaking of the Accord hybrid isnt much better than the gas only version is it. It is really billed more as a performance ehnancement isnt it?

[Tideland Prius]

Yup. The Average Fuel Consumption reading in its trip computer was 13.7L/100km when I took it out for a test drive. Granted, it's probably because people give it full throttle but either way that was the consumption.

[Cyorke]

well it looks like you average about 8mpg better in the accord hybrid than the non hybrid. The highlander hybrid does aobut 9mpg better than non hybrid in 2wd version. So why arent they going after Honda also, and lets not even talk about the other manufacturers who are not even offering hybrid technology or on a very limited basis

[Bakemono]

No kidding. If they are so worried about clean air, why not go after GM, Ford and Dodge, who love to put a V8 in as many vehicles as possible.
Cap'n

[situman]

well the reason why fuel economy is worse these days is cause of the bigger engines and more power. Back in the days, Toyotas are mostly 4cylinders. Can't really compare.

I dont like Bluewater Network, check out their website at www.bluewaternetwork.org.

They say things change like when Volvo was bought in 1999, here is the article from their site:

Over the past 30 years, Volvo has led the auto industry in developing new environmental and safety technologies, including catalytic converters to reduce smog, lap/shoulder safety belts, and side air bags. Thanks to Volvo, many of these options have become standard equipment for other automakers.

But ever since Ford bought Volvo in 1999, the company's outstanding environmental record has slipped. While other manufacturers moved rapidly towards developing hybrid passenger vehicles that would achieve up to 60 miles per gallon, today's new Volvo fleet has essentially the same average fuel mileage performance as in 1999. And following in Ford's footsteps, in 2002 Volvo introduced a lineup of new SUVs, hindering any further efforts to increase average fleet fuel mileage.

Adding insult to injury, Volvo's parent Ford Motors is part of a group of automakers suing to overturn California’s new regulations to reduce smog and global warming pollution from vehicles (these regulations stem from a precedent-setting law conceived by Bluewater). And Ford is also opposing efforts to raise national fuel mileage standards in the U.S.

Recently, Bluewater Network published an ad in The New York Times and Mother Jones online asking Volvo to stand up to Ford by again building cars that will protect the planet's fragile environment while helping to reduce oil dependence. Send a letter to Volvo and remind them of their mission to build vehicles that keep us, and the planet, safe.

Bluewater Network seem to be too conservative. I know pollution is a problem, but dont they realize hybrids do more than save gas, they help the ozone.

Also, Toyota has grown with more car models so of course their average fuel economy will be lower. They seem to twist things around and it doesnt make any sense. The world is not perfect but at least there are steps being taken to fix problems.

[Ratko]

Originally Posted by tdt59512

Bluewater Network seem to be too conservative. I know pollution is a problem, but dont they realize hybrids do more than save gas, they help the ozone.

Also, Toyota has grown with more car models so of course their average fuel economy will be lower. They seem to twist things around and it doesnt make any sense. The world is not perfect but at least there are steps being taken to fix problems.

You hit the nail on the head. Yes MPG does affect the amount of petroleum that we consume as a society, but they neglect to mention that EMISSIONS over the last 10-15 years have plumetted! That's what Kyoto is all about.

Definitely just a smear campaign. Sad.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by Cyorke

well it looks like you average about 8mpg better in the accord hybrid than the non hybrid. The highlander hybrid does aobut 9mpg better than non hybrid in 2wd version. So why arent they going after Honda also, and lets not even talk about the other manufacturers who are not even offering hybrid technology or on a very limited basis

8mpg? I'm guessing you mean 8 better than a 5-spd Accord 4 cylinder? Cause according to my calculations, 8mpg better makes it 9.35L/100km.


Well, don't people always twist things around to make their argument look better and more credible.