by Kay Helbling
If the American car manufacturers want the new hydro or electric cars to be a profitable success, why not still give the Americ
[5]an’s their image-pleasing style? I can’t see why earth friendly has to be so ugl
[6]y!
Americans are a nation of car lovers. Some would say many even use t [7]heir vehicle to make a statement about who they are—the racier and classier the better. Why not look good as we’re driving down the road with the wind blowing in our hair? Now, be honest, which of these would you like to use to make a statement about who you are?
Let’s say I want to make a dress for the Prom. I go to the fabric store and pick out a nice poly/cotton blend that will hang well and not show too many wrinkles. I’ll select a pattern that will be consistent with the latest trend and a color that will work well for me. It turns out wonderfully and I look smashing.
Unfortunately, there is an oil based, chemical component to the production of the polyester fabric. I decide for my next prom I’m going to be a bit more environmentally savvy and earth friendly in how I dress.
I decide to make the dress out of 100% cotton. But, I still select a trendy pattern and knock-out color. No one is the wiser. I will arrive at the party looking as smashing as I did in the poly blend.
Just because I used cotton doesn’t mean I picked a pattern that made me look like Grandma Moses. Why can’t the electric car designers make cars that will make us excited about getting behind the wheel of the earth-friendly Mustang?
Design engineers can be just as creatively “smart” whether the vehicle pulls up to the pump or the electrical outlet. Our auto industry doesn’t need Cash for Clunkers to bail us out of this slump. It just needs an Eco Green “Mustang” or an Earthy Brown “Cougar”. Then watch us “Ride, Sally, Ride”!
Kay was an insurance adjuster and executive for 15 years, a small business owner, and a teacher for 10. But, her most fulfilling work has been as a mother of her two boys. She is now enjoying an empty nest with her best friend—her husband. They are enjoying their weekends riding in the comfort of his 1990, gas-friendly,Porsche.