Bob Lutz Video on Green Cars Future

Interesting speech at a casual lunch by Bob Lutz

Crazy Big Truck - Is that Legal?

I have never seen anything like this in Canada, I can't imagine how dangerous it is!

Ford Juices up the Program in the USA

Here comes another maker in with some additional rewards, let's hope it makes it to Canada. With the federal government unwilling to match the popular U.S. auto-incentive program "Cash for Clunkers," several automakers in this country have pushed ahead with their own programs.

The first was Hyundai, which offered $1,000 on top of the federal government's $300 rebate for car buyers who trade in their old cars for recycling. Days later, Chrysler followed suit with its own plan.

Now Ford is in the game, saying on Wednesday that it would offer $1,000 to car buyers who turn in a car 15 years or older, but up to $3,000 for those who turn in their clunker for a new truck.

"No one is offering more incentive to 'Recycle Your Ride' than Ford," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada in a statemet. "People who might otherwise not be able to buy a new car can now afford the latest in vehicle safety, fuel economy and smart technology."

The Ford program builds on the Canadian government's Retire Your Ride initiative, which offers $300 to eligible participants. Ford says the promotion will come on top of other incentives already in place.

Anyone who participates in this government program and who buys a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle qualifies for the Ford Recycle Your Ride program of $1,000 toward the purchase of a new Ford car or compact truck, $2,000 toward the purchase of a new Ford crossover or sport utility vehicle, and $3,000 toward the purchase of a new Ford truck or Lincoln vehicle.

To qualify, you must own a 1995 or older running vehicle that has been properly registered and insured for the last six months (12 months in B.C.), just visit your closest Ford dealer to confirm your eligibility under the government’s Retire Your Ride program. Within two business days you will have a confirmation of your eligibility for up to $3,300 in incentives.

Or, if you have already retired your ride with the Clean Air Foundation and the Retire Your Ride program, you automatically qualify for Ford’s Recycle Your Ride incentives.

Go to your closest Ford dealer and purchase or lease your new Ford or Lincoln vehicle and receive the Recycle Your Ride incentive, over and above current incentives.

Chrysler Adds its Few Cents and More

Chrysler Canada steps up to add gravy to the Retire your Ride program and has announced that it will add rebates of $500 to $1,500 over incentives offered by the federal government’s Retire Your Ride program when consumers trade in their older vehicles on new ones.

“This is the responsible thing to do,” said Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Chrysler Canada. “Facilitating the removal of these vehicles from the road is the right move for our country, our health, and our environment. In many instances, the turned-in vehicles release 19 times more smog than a current model-year vehicle. As a result, Chrysler Canada is proud to offer the most aggressive scrappage incentive in the Canadian industry, and we are pleased to be the first official Retire Your Ride automotive partner.”

Consistent with the federal government’s program, qualifying customers must be owners of vehicles 1995 and older, in running condition, and registered and insured in Canada for the previous consecutive six or 12 months, depending on the province.

Now let's just sit back and watch as more auto maker climb on-board.

Retire your Ride over 5k Clunkers

The program has hit a really exciting milestone and has now had over 5,000 cars retired though its initiative! This has saved over 300 tonnes of smog forming emissions from poisoning out atmosphere. With all the promotion and fanfare associated with 'retire your ride' I can see this having even a bigger impact going forward. So what are you waiting for? Contact your nearest auto recycling yard and get with the program!

Make sure to visit the programs website to learn even more, retire your ride.

What is Retire your Ride?

The Canadian Government has pledged millions of dollars to help fund this campaign which is being carried out by the Clean Air Foundation; to significantly reduce smog and increase the air quality in the city. The program is committed to improving air quality by responsibly recycling vehicles to retire at least 50,000 vehicles a year until March 31, 2011.

Welcome to Retire your Ride

Hi everyone and thanks for visiting. I decided to build a blog about the retire your ride program here in Canada because I think it is a great initiative by the Canadian Government and if you are looking for news and commentary on this program you have arrived at the right place! Also please feel free to participate via commenting!