Hybrid or PZEV: 2009 Brings More Green Car Choices for Green Executives

This blog has promoted incentives for hiring managers to discourage commuter driving by providing their talent tele-work (via a home-based or virtual office set-ups) and mass-transit commuting options.  And we are pleased to inform that adaptation of these practices is starting to catch fire.

Still, some hiring managers wishing to portray company-greenness in the most-effective way, are tasked by a daunting challenge: should their sales and relationship management executives that must drive to client offices do so behind the wheel of Hybrid or Partial-Zero Emissions (PZEV) vehicles?

In states with stringent emissions standards, such as California and New York, Hybrid and PZEV automotive choices are good.  But in the rest of the country, where unfortunately clean air standards are not as stringent, driving green has been tough.

But here is some good news: with 2009 models debuting in dealer showrooms, buying green cars for your must-drive executives has become easier.

High mile-per-gallon-achieving hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV, have seen steady sales increases as the price of a gallon of gasoline climbs skyward.   But sticker-shock is common as hybrids can be pricey propositions.  And for a hiring-manager that must balance budgetary constraints and fleet functionality with a mission to reduce the company’s carbon-footprint, a PZEV might be a sensible alternative.

Check out the all-wheel drive 2009 Subaru Outback PZEV and the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen S PZEV.  While these models don’t tout the impressive MPG stats of their hybrid cousins, they make up for it with excellent performance, functionality, roominess, and affordability. What is more, Subaru claims that the tailpipe emissions produced by their PZEVs are cleaner than the air outside. Time, and independent testing will determine if that is indeed true.  Still, we’re excited by the possibilities.

Personal note:  I just bought a 2009 Subaru Outback PZEV like this one and am very pleased!  I can attest that there is no difference in performance between this PZEV and the non-PZEV Outback models. It is well-designed, responsive, roomy, very comfortable, perfect for lugging around displays, merchandise, or whatever a green marketing-executive may need to schlep to a presentation at client headquarters.  Plus, the Outback PZEV has a five-star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

We believe companies that purchase Hybrid or PZEV fleets, or provide monetary-incentives for buying a new Hybrid or PZEV, will greatly aid their own efforts to hire and retain top green marketing executive talent.  Doing so telegraphs a green company’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint while extending general awareness for the public availability of clean-burning cars. 

Plus, what a badge of honor to drive a car with the PZEV logo!

UPDATE: Subaru of Canada has launched this humorous website to promote its PZEV vehicles.