France throws weight behind green cars
October 11, 2008 Posted by: Paul Lucas
Its one matter to say the right things, but it’s another altogether to put your money where your mouth is. However, French President Nicholas Sarkozy is anxious to prove his support for green cars by earmarking €400 million for the development of electric and hybrid vehicles.
He made the announcement during a trip to the Paris Motor Show, where he declared that the money would be used “exclusively for research and development of non-polluting vehicles” over a four year period. The cash will come from funds already set aside for environmental projects.
Sarkozy is also planning to spread the word about green cars, stating that he will call on other European countries to encourage car manufacturers to take loans from the European Investment Bank in order to invest in low emission vehicles. His comments came shortly after French manufacturer Renault announced a partnership with energy provider EDF Energy to develop electric vehicles and recharging infrastructure, which you can read about here.
Huge technological advances will be required if electric cars are to be popularised across the country. This pledge of cash comes just days after Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault, said the investment required to commercialise electric cars would need to be “colossal”.
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Filed under: Electric cars, Green cars, Latest news | Tags: Electric cars, France, Green cars, Nicholas Sarkozy, Paris Motor Show |
