According to news report, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger speaking at the Society Automotive Engineers 2009 World Congress on Monday, Schwarzenegger said Washington has failed to create an energy policy that would help automakers develop fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles more quickly. “Washington hasn’t been able to show any leadership in the last few years. It’s been very frustrating,” he said. “How can car manufacturers go and start changing their plans when there’s no goal?”
The Associated Press reports that Schwarzenegger said the Obama administration is now working to create a vision for U.S. energy policy. He said he has had conversations with federal officials and wants California to lead the country when it comes to setting low emission standards.
The governor said General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC have an opportunity to survive and make progress in creating cleaner vehicles. “I think the car companies need help and they should get help. Washington should be a partner in this,” he said. “I don’t think taxpayers mind if you do it the right way.”
The SAE World Congress is a four-day conference that focuses on research and development of vehicle components such as powertrains and exhaust systems, and materials such as metals and composites.
The annual event comes as automakers globally are experiencing a downturn in sales, as the recession keeps many consumers from making big purchases. Lower revenues are putting a pinch on research and development efforts at automotive companies and suppliers.
But SAE officials say despite the challenges facing the industry, it must forge ahead in creating new technologies for better, more efficient vehicles.
Schwarzenegger echoed those sentiments, adding that he’s a fan of the cars Detroit produces, including two Hummers that he owns. He turned one into a hydrogen vehicle and converted the engine of another to run on biofuels. He said vehicles like Hummers and SUVs shouldn’t be taken off the roads, but they should utilize different technologies to be more efficient and clean.
“There’s nothing wrong with the Hummer, it’s a great vehicle,” he said. “We need to get off of gas engines and on clean fuel engines.”
He also volunteered to be the first to film a television commercial — for free — promoting Detroit cars.
“Detroit is going to be back,” he said,
