Community | April 10, 2009 | 5 comments

Government speeds up purchase of 17,600 fuel-efficient cars

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ClipsFC
The federal government will speed up its timetable for the purchase of roughly 17,600 fuel-efficient vehicles in an effort to help struggling domestic automakers, the White House announced Thursday.

The government will spend $285 million in stimulus funds to purchase the cars before June 1. The accelerated purchase order has been placed exclusively with General Motors, Chrysler and Ford.

"As a part of our commitment to the American auto industry, I charged my administration with using Recovery Act funds to purchase a new fleet of fuel-efficient government vehicles to increase demand for our American auto companies and stimulate the economy," President Obama said in a written statement.

The accelerated purchase "is only a first step, but I will continue to ensure that we are working to support the American auto industry during this difficult period of restructuring."

By April 15, 2,500 hybrid sedans are expected to be ordered, the largest one-time purchase of hybrid vehicles for the federal government's automotive fleet in history, according to the White House.
4/10 7:20 AM ET - ClipsFC - Ken
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5 comments // Government speeds up purchase of 17,600 fuel-efficient cars

  • animallovers018
  • kcfoxie
    • 0
      kcfoxie  
    • The MOST efficient vehicle that they produce boasts 34MPG.

      My Jetta hasn't gotten less than 38MPG in 83,000 miles; over 50 on long highway trips (like from Bethesda to DC and back on a single tank).

      They placed the bids with the wrong automakers. VW, Toyota and Hyundai should have been selected.

    • 3 years ago
  • ClipsFC
  • rickm8
    • 0
      rickm8  
    • isnt it sad that 285 million of the stimulus bills funds is .02% of the total?

      but, anyway, great to see the nationalization of private companies! **thumbs up**

    • 3 years ago
  • NJDaryl
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