I agree about their “utility” on a motorcycle, though – marginally less useful than an ashtray.

[Toyota Camry CNG Hybrid]

CNG is a much better fossil fuel alternative than petrol, diesel and LNG. We have a lot of natural gas reserves.

I checked with Mitsubishi Australia – there is no commitment to bring in the MEIV to Australia in 2009 – it is “still undergoing testing in Japan”. So it looks like 2010 is more likely. I asked them to hurry up.

I can’t find anyone with committed import dates yet for Chinese plug-in hybrids either. Chery is another Chinese make that may come in soon.

Here is another electric car option, made in China F3e made by BYD AUTO

It integrates both IT technology and Auto technology of BYD. It combines world class rechargeable battery technology, excellent R&D technology of automobile core components and parts and complete vehicle manufacturing technology.

This vehicle is not yet available in Australia. Could be soon though.

regarding government subsidies for car production, it seems to me that every country does it – so in a race to the bottom / lowest common denominator argument, I’m accepting that if we want to produce ETMs then they appear to require government subsidies, and I’m mostly OK with that, as long as we’re getting socila outcomes as well.

It’s not really Ford and Holden’s fault regarding car design. When you’ve got factories and staff for rear wheel large cars, it can take a long time to convert them to something else. And consumers wanted them.

I happen to think, that if petrol had no external environmental costs, the Commodore and Falcon are fine cars for their price, excellent quality and features for $35 000. Not that I would ever own one.

The GM Volt will be built in Detroit in 2011 – but there is no date for importation to Australia.

General Motors has unveiled the much anticipated production version of the Volt – a vehicle that delivers up to 64 kilometres of petrol and tailpipe emissions free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional kilometres.

Apparently this won’t be made in Australia – it should be rather than just another 4 cyclinder car.

We have zero political and industry leadership. Zip.

I just hope that Rudd & Co as part of the agreement make sure Holden market the bloody thing well this time.

Good point 2353. We are now in the era of corporate welfare. Capitalism has just failed. Globalism is on the skids. Now are taxes are getting handed over to global car companies (Ford, Toyota and GM) and to coal fired power stations and aluminium smelters.

The Rudd and Carr green car fund ($1b) will get pissed up against the wall of more corporate dinosaur stupidity. The solution is for the government to get a seat on the board and/or majority control of the company. Otherwise they take our money, give a few platitudes and keep producing more lemons, telling us all the while we want them.

VW: there was a painting “Our First Love” depicting loving couple reflected in shiny vee-dub hubcap. Redolent.

Bought a cheep Beetle in England in 80s. Vendor informed us we must toot once upon seeing aother beetle; twice if its colour matched ours [sky blue]. Love affair reignited.

Whaddawe want? Air-cooled! When’ll we geddit? …….