Public Wanted Fuel Efficient Cars in 2005, So did Ford.

In a search for the luxury tax break for large gas guzzlers, which I never found, I came across these public warnings that something was wrong. But I’m assuming the Republican Congress and president convinced us there was nothing to worry about.

The point of this blog entry was to call into question the GOP's opposition to expanding the "Cash for Clunkers" program, while reminding them of their support for the "Hunvee tax break" that allowed businesses to write off the vehicles entire cost. If you have more details, let me know. The following PUBLIC WARNINGS were archived at MSNBC:

Ford CEO: Gas tax, credits would help hybrids Feb. 28, 2005

How do you get millions of Americans to buy gasoline-electric hybrids? Shortly after unveiling his company's plans for a second hybrid SUV, Ford Motor CEO Bill Ford Jr. suggested this: a combination of a new gas tax and tax incentives for consumers. Ford said he has supported a gas tax of 50 cents a gallon, but he preferred tax breaks for consumers who buy cars with new fuel-saving technology such as hybrids, which are powered by gas engines and batteries to boost fuel economy. “Even going back four or five years I used to say that I’d support a 50 cent gas tax,” Ford said at the New York auto show on Wednesday. ”I think that a combination of gas taxes and incentives would also be something we could support. But I don’t know how high.”

8 in 10 say SUV drivers need to trade in guzzlers
Poll: Most people think fuel-efficient vehicles needed to cut oil dependence-Sept . 15, 2005

Eight in 10 people say it's important for Americans now driving sport utility vehicles to switch to more fuel-efficient vehicles to reduce the nation's dependence on oil, a poll found. With gas prices hovering around $3 a gallon nationally and the price of natural gas rising sharply, six in 10 said they are not confident President Bush is taking the right approach to solving the nation's energy problems, according to the survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.

• Almost seven in 10 want the government to establish price controls on gasoline and want more spending on subway, rail and bus systems.
• Just over seven in 10 want to give tax cuts to companies to develop wind, solar and hydrogen energy.
• Just over eight in 10 want higher fuel efficiency required for cars, trucks and SUVs.