2 Fast, 2 Liberal
Andy muscles up to auto show, then touts state eco-car plan
DRIVE AS I SAY, not as I do.
Gov. Cuomo arrived Saturday in the ultimate muscle car before plugging the state’s new $70 million commitment to ecofriendly vehicles at the New York International Auto Show.
“The technology and that innovation is very important for the industry as well as for society,” said Cuomo after zooming up to the Jacob Javits Center in a black-and-red 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
The gas-powered car, which hits the market this fall, boasts 840 horsepower and goes from zero-to-60 mph in 2.3 seconds.
“I took the Demon for a test ride, and it passed the governor’s certification (test), I want you to know,” joked Cuomo, who’s well-known for his fascination with Corvettes, Mustangs and other classic muscle cars. Cuomo then delivered his real message: The state was offering $55 million in rebates for buyers of a new plug-in hybrid electric car, an all-electric car or a hydrogen fuel cell car. Buyers of the vehicles are eligible for a $2,000 rebate under the program. Electric cars are both more energy efficient and cost as much as 70% less to drive per mile. “We want to accelerate the transition into those vehicles,” said the governor.
New York has also set aside $15 million to raise awareness about the vehicles, develop new technologies and install more charging stations statewide.
Cuomo, who recalled attending the auto show as a kid with his father and fellow governor Mario, noted this year’s program featured all 30 electric vehicles currently available in New York state. “I encourage New Yorkers to consider electric vehicles and help take us a step closer to achieving our goal of reducing emissions 40% by 2030,” the governor said.
The annual Manhattan show runs through April 23.