In a case of leading by example, the Israeli Government has embraced the green car craze that is sweeping the nation by purchasing hybrid cars for its fleets.
The defence establishment, along with the Israeli Police and Israeli Prison Service will buy 20 hybrid cars under a two-year contract with a two-year option to extend. This could be further extended to include authorised government agencies, companies and municipalities.
According to car industry sources, the initial order is expected to be increased with additional cars ordered by agencies including the Israel Electric Corporation. Only two companies will bid for the government tender – Toyota and Honda.
The news follows on from reports last month that 19 Israeli companies had signed co-operation agreements to test electric cars for their company fleets in the initial stage of an electric car programme with Better Place.
