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Electric Car Victory |
Photo: © Rainforest Action Network
by Ruth Robertson
Electric Cars SACRAMENTO, CA. A week-long car-sit vigil has resulted in victory for electric vehicle drivers and environmental activists. Inundated by a barrage of print, television and radio coverage, Ford Motor Company made a turn-around and agreed to protestors' terms after they spent eight chilly days and nights demonstrating in front of a downtown Ford dealership in January. Activist Jason Mark of Global Exchange said, "Ford was surprised that we want them to keep their electric vehicles on the road. They thought we were just campaigning for more hybrids, but EV's are zero emissions vehicles and totally pollution free." Ford Ranger electric pick-up driver David Raboy spearheaded the movement after Ford refused to sell him his leased truck. Ford demanded the return of his vehicle, and those of other California and New York owners, as their leases expired, admitting that they planned to destroy them to avoid maintenance on the popular line of pick-ups. David spent most of the week on the picket line in front of the dealership in his truck. When Ford finally agreed to the demands of the demonstrators, David was able to purchase his vehicle for one dollar.
Jennifer Krill of Rainforest Action Network, and co-manager of the "Clean Car Campaign" that facilitated the Sacramento action, said that other Ford EV drivers had not been so lucky before the January win. At least one lessee had his electric Ranger towed from his property by Ford while he was on vacation. Others were forced to return their Rangers to the giant automaker although they had planned to take advantage of options in their leases and buy the vehicles.
Publicity surrounding the vigil was what finally brought Ford to "Do the right thing," according to Jason Mark. "NGO's Global Exchange and Rainforest Action Network helped highlight the voices of the drivers who didn't have the capacity to draw media attention to their plea. This victory is a good example of how people coming together can force change in the policies of gigantic corporations," he stated.
For Further Information
www.jumpstartford.com
Electric Cars SACRAMENTO, CA. A week-long car-sit vigil has resulted in victory for electric vehicle drivers and environmental activists. Inundated by a barrage of print, television and radio coverage, Ford Motor Company made a turn-around and agreed to protestors' terms after they spent eight chilly days and nights demonstrating in front of a downtown Ford dealership in January. Activist Jason Mark of Global Exchange said, "Ford was surprised that we want them to keep their electric vehicles on the road. They thought we were just campaigning for more hybrids, but EV's are zero emissions vehicles and totally pollution free." Ford Ranger electric pick-up driver David Raboy spearheaded the movement after Ford refused to sell him his leased truck. Ford demanded the return of his vehicle, and those of other California and New York owners, as their leases expired, admitting that they planned to destroy them to avoid maintenance on the popular line of pick-ups. David spent most of the week on the picket line in front of the dealership in his truck. When Ford finally agreed to the demands of the demonstrators, David was able to purchase his vehicle for one dollar.
Jennifer Krill of Rainforest Action Network, and co-manager of the "Clean Car Campaign" that facilitated the Sacramento action, said that other Ford EV drivers had not been so lucky before the January win. At least one lessee had his electric Ranger towed from his property by Ford while he was on vacation. Others were forced to return their Rangers to the giant automaker although they had planned to take advantage of options in their leases and buy the vehicles.
Publicity surrounding the vigil was what finally brought Ford to "Do the right thing," according to Jason Mark. "NGO's Global Exchange and Rainforest Action Network helped highlight the voices of the drivers who didn't have the capacity to draw media attention to their plea. This victory is a good example of how people coming together can force change in the policies of gigantic corporations," he stated.
For Further Information
www.jumpstartford.com
