Schwarzenegger hails alternative fuels at LA Auto Show

Touring the Los Angeles Auto Show and giving sub-editors everywhere a field day, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was seen to take a special interest in the Volkswagen space up! blue concept and Ferrari F430 Spider, amongst others.

The space up! blue concept is powered by both electric propulsion and a high temperature hydrogen fuel cell. Volkswagen is currently rolling out Jetta BlueMotion models in the US.

Schwarzenegger used the visit to push alternative fuels at his Auto Show address - an increasing concern in California particularly as the threat of a $100 barrel of oil grows.

California has taken a stand in green issues, thanks in no small part to Schwarzenegger´s promotion of alternative fuels.

"The only way we can be successful in this mission, with our reduction of greenhouse gases ... is by getting the car manufacturers to come in and to work with us," he said. "In the beginning it´s like children. You say, don´t do that, they resist, and eventually they get with the program."

Arnie is pushing through tough emissions standards in California for 2009 model-year cars and urging car-makers and federal government to adopt the standards across the country.

"The federal government is not showing any leadership. They´re asleep at the wheel," he said. "We have to create the standards. We have to show leadership."

Elsewhere at the LA Show the Green Car of the Year award was presented to the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid - an SUV which manages to return 22mpg.

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