Newsweek continues from the green pulpit in this week’s issue with an homage to the hybrid-electric Toyota Prius and Honda’s “hopes to regain its enviro street creed” by introducing a new Prius-like, stand-alone hybrid model in 2009 (“A Case of Prius Envy,” Sept. 3). “Analysts expect the new Honda . . . will also outdo the 60 mpg Prius on price and mileage,” writes reporter Keith Naughton, though only true believers still swallow Toyota/U.S. government propaganda that the Prius gets 60 mpg (Consumer Reports puts mileage at 44 mpg, for example).
But outside the ivory towers of the MSM, the more interesting news is that Honda is introducing diesels – a much more cost-effective, proven, and more fuel efficient alternative than hybrids – into its mainstream lineup this fall. The Honda Accord, the company’s best-selling model, will sport a diesel option instead of the poor-selling hybrid option discontinued last year.
Customers tell Honda they want more room and power, and modern, clean diesel technology (conforming to new, world-best U.S. sulfur emissions standards) affords them a more fuel-efficient choice that, unlike hybrids, doesn’t sacrifice performance.
“Diesel is more effective for Accord and above (larger)” models, Honda VP Dan Bonawitz tells Autoweek magazine.
Despite diesels foothold in the European market, U.S. greens – and press parrots like Newsweek – turn up their noses at diesel as unfashionable. In fact, the diesel snub is telling of a green movement that is less about conservation than it is about privileged classes preening about their “enviro street creed.”