Change in hire car legislation

There’s no guarantee those batteries will ever get recycled, woody.

Those compact fluoro lights also contain mercury, how do you feel about that one too?

Keep repenting, carbon sinner!

The Prius needs dozens of batteries, which need to be replaced every few years.

Then there’s the matter of disposing of the (toxic) old batteries.

Are you two retarded, blind, or both? From the Toyota website – you kow, the link I posted about an inch above where you posted your ignorant drivel:

“The Prius battery (and the battery-power management system) has been designed to maximize battery life. In part this is done by keeping the battery at an optimum charge level – never fully draining it and never fully recharging it. As a result, the Prius battery leads a pretty easy life. We have lab data showing the equivalent of 180,000 miles with no deterioration and expect it to last the life of the vehicle. We also expect battery technology to continue to improve: the second-generation model battery is 15% smaller, 25% lighter, and has 35% more specific power than the first. This is true of price as well. Between the 2003 and 2004 models, service battery costs came down 36% and we expect them to continue to drop so that by the time replacements may be needed it won’t be a much of an issue. Since the car went on sale in 2000, Toyota has not replaced a single battery for wear and tear.

Toyota has a comprehensive battery recycling program in place and has been recycling nickel-metal hydride batteries since the RAV4 Electric Vehicle was introduced in 1998. Every part of the battery, from the precious metals to the plastic, plates, steel case and the wiring, is recycled. To ensure that batteries come back to Toyota, each battery has a phone number on it to call for recycling information and dealers are paid a $200 “bounty” for each battery.”

Then there’s the matter of disposing of the (toxic) old batteries.

Also, there’s a VW Diesel hatchback which returns similar consumption to the Prius, without the bloat of an extra electric motor and battery cells.

The reason I would book a hire car would be the convenience of knowing someone was there to pick me up, and that I wouldn’t have to potentially stand in line behind 100 other people waiting for a taxi. I wouldn’t mind what sort of car it was so long as it was reasonably modern, clean and comfortable, and could fit me and my luggage. I don’t think there’s a problem with having different kinds of models on the road, and used as hire cars, so long as people know what they’re getting. If you want a limousine, pay a premium. If you want a cheaper, but still reliable service, book through someone who can provide that.

VYBerlina’s comments about the Prius are right, BTW. There was a study in America fairly recently which found the most eco-friendly car on the road over there was in fact the Jeep Cherokee diesel. Simple in design, cheap to manufacture, with fewer parts. The Prius needs dozens of batteries, which need to be replaced every few years.

If I was expecting a Statesman or Fairlane (a fair expectation after all) I’d be *well* pissed off if a Prius or Avalon turned up.

In order to not piss Mr Hargreaves off, I might not mention my moniker if I were you.

A few of these comments are a bit precious. I have used hire cars to and from the airport, but never for their limousine size or quality. The main reason is their reliability – being on time and getting me where I want to be without the stress of uncertainty one does get occasionally with taxis. Second reason is the courtesy, friendliness and helpfulness of the drivers; some taxi drivers display the same of course, but I have never been without it in a hire car. So I wouldn’t mind if it was a Ford Prefect or a Volkswagen – or even a Prius.

Do people know the impact of manufacturing, and disposing, of such a large battery pack?

Yes, but I suspect you don’t. Perhaps you fell for the silly ‘Dust to Dust’ article comparing Hummers to Priuses that received widespread publicity after being published in the Mail on Sunday. Most people forget to mention that the Mail subsequently retracted the article “in order to prevent further misinterpretation”, and that the D2D study is widely regarded as junk research. If you want to learn about the Prius battery – it’s extraordinarily long life, and Toyota’s end-to-end recycling program – visit the Toyota website.

Sure, it uses a bit less fuel, but not as much less as you’d think.

I’m guessing it uses a metric less than a V8 Berlina, or a Fairlane G220, or my dad’s Statesman.

Sorry WMC – I disclosed now as I realised I hadn’t initially, though I am glad in one way as I also obtained these views without prejudice, which I would see as the most honest comments I can use in my discussion with Hargraves. In my position I act on behalf of the industry, but the industry reacts to the publics wants and needs therefore these have been very helpful. I am not trying to push my point, but I do have a view of my own.

And AG Canberra – thanks for the support, you have got my point entirely.

Wait – I thought you were here because you were “interested in views”, not to make a point. It’s nice to see you came here with an open mind, rather than cherry-picking for “evidence” to support an opinion you’ve already formed. Maybe a bit of up-front disclosure about who you are and why you’re here might be in order next time you decide you want to roll out a couple of acres of astroturf.

And to clear any possible confusion, my hire car as of Monday is a Ford Fairlane G220, replacing my current Holden Statesman – all the cars operating in our fleet (11 of them) are of the same size and quality.

Thanks to all for your views, it is really helpful. To address a couple:

“I’m very suspicious of sweeping statements like “The overall industry view is…”. “

I can safely make this remark – I am the President of the Limousine Association of the ACT & Qbn, and have canvassed my members. I am looking for these comments to gauge public view before meeting with Mr Hargraves late next week. And btw, the Taragos are used as multi passenger vehicles as it is a bit hard to aqueeze 7 into a sedan…

“surely people dont hire vehicles without knowing what they are getting, and, if they dont know, surely they dont care?”

Actually, up until very recently you could bank on a sedan from any hire car company if you made a booking, and it is not necessarily being advised to passengers if a different vehicle will be doing the job…and at the same price.

And AG Canberra – thanks for the support, you have got my point entirely.

I love the greenie comments! Do people realise just how incredibly environmentall unfriendly cars like the Prius really are?? Do people know the impact of manufacturing, and disposing, of such a large battery pack? Sure, it uses a bit less fuel, but not as much less as you’d think.

I find it funny that half an hour after hearing (on RA) that there is now a prius as a hire car, I drove up behind one. Only in Canberra.

I’m very suspicious of sweeping statements like “The overall industry view is…”. If the existing service included Taragos (hardly a limo) then I don’t see a problem.

I think it’s crap. What was a clear set up for a higher class vehicle with drivers in suits etc has been watered down to include near base model Avalon’s and now Prius’s. And neither attract a cheaper rate.

All previous “HC” plates were bought-back by the ACT Gov a couple of years ago and new ones issued via lease payments – no up front 250k like taxi’s. Since then it seems that all you need is something that has 4 wheels and a driver and you are in business.

The companies argue that they are offering a range of vehicles. Problem is that it is when times get busy and they take a corporate booking at full rates and the Avalon turns up for your run to the airport – what are you going to do – stand there and demand a proper car?

Once again the Gov don’t know how to govern…..

well, as I have no idea what this is about I am compelled to have my 2c worth

surely people dont hire vehicles without knowing what they are getting, and, if they dont know, surely they dont care?

why would this be regulated?

is ther a Datsun 12Y retro pick-up service (remember your student days ? – re-live your [poverty stricken] youth!)that is forbidden by law from turning up with a Ford Escort?

that said- if you pay for a limo – you’d expect a limo, but, if you just pay for … an unspecified hire car you’d expect…a suprise?

I can arrange mung-bean and lentil cut lunches for you too if you like.

I’d be very happy with a Prius. If you’re going to be driving something around all day every day with one person in it, I’d prefer it to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

But saying that, if I had a choice between a Canberra Cabs Commodore/Falcon, or a Prius, for roughly the same price, i’d take the Prius. So long as I didn’t have to sit in the back 🙂

Personally i’d be peeved to pay for a limousine, and get a Prius. Rear seat legroom is substantially different.

As long as there’s enough room for me and any others with me to be comfortable and not squished – and room for any baggaage – I don’t care.

Not having been in the prius I don’t know how roomy they are for far too tall people.

Why not just arrange things as you do for drive-yourself hire cars? Want a small hatchback – fairly cheap. Want a large sedan – costs a bit more.

That said, I can see why people would choose to use a limousine instead of a taxi. They’re vastly nicer to ride in, and often cost less.