Clean Car Round Up Set for 2003 Auto Show
Environmental Groups Looking to Corral Clean Car Deputies

(January 5, 2003 - Detroit, Mich.). . . Showdown at the Cobo Corral! The Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) and Sierra Club are looking for Clean Car Deputies to round up a list of environmentally friendly cars at this year's North American International Auto Show. The Clean Car Roundup gives children (14 yrs. and younger) a chance to mosey around the show, finding the cleanest cars. Youngsters (or their parents) will find the Clean Car Roundup entry form online at www.mecprotects.org or in the local Metro Times magazine. One lucky Deputy will win a trip for the family to Orlando and a chance to meet Wyatt Earp.

Wyatt Earp, a descendant of the wild-west Sheriff, works for the Marion County, Florida Sheriff's Department. Earp recently purchased a posse of hybrid vehicles for the department.

The Clean Car Roundup challenges young'uns to find the "clean cars" on display that feature hybrid engines and other fuel-saving technology. Through word games, number puzzles and name scrambles, children will be entertained while learning about the latest technologies that can put drivers on the road to 40mpg, cutting pollution and reducing oil dependency.

"Kids like cool stuff and hybrids are the coolest, cleanest cars around," says Lana Pollack of the MEC. "It seems children are going to be the ones who have to figure out how to deal with global warming if they¹re to have a cleaner future. The roundup is a fun way to get them thinking about how cars can be more friendly to the environment."

There are fuel saving technologies like the integrated starter generator, the variable valve control engine and the continually variable transmission. All of these components are featured in select models on display at the show (which are on sale now). Although these technologies could be added to almost all standard cars, SUVs and other light trucks, not all automakers have done so. Automakers could save consumers money at the gas pump, reduce dependency on foreign oil and cut global warming pollution by giving car-buyers the option to buy popular models with better fuel economy.

"Automakers need 21st century know-how if they want to target 21st century consumers," said David Holtz of Sierra Club¹s Mackinac Chapter. "Among the hundreds of vehicles on display are a handful that use modern technology. Automakers should make this technology standard."

Entry forms can be mailed in or faxed to 517-487-9541. All entry forms, with the correct answers, will be put in to a drawing. One lucky Clean Car Deputy will win a trip for a family of four to Orlando.


MEDIA NOTE: For more information or to arrange an interview with Lana Pollack of MEC or David Holtz of Sierra Club, contact C&B Scene Inc. at 248-557-2510.

 

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