he maine , cool car!inhe mainey, cool car! n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s c o u n c i l o f m a i n...

in MaineHey, Cool Car !

N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S C O U N C I L O F M A I N E

Hybrid Electric-GasolineVehicles in Maine

Driving Hybrid Cars

CreditsThis publication has been made possible with the generoussupport of L.L. Bean, Inc., the Beldon Fund, the Helen andGeorge Ladd Charitable Corporation, the Energy Foundation,the Margaret Dorrance Strawbridge Foundation of PA I, Inc., theWallis Foundation, and the members of the Natural ResourcesCouncil of Maine. For information about how you can becomea member, see the inside back cover.

We are grateful to the dozens of Maine people who have beenextraordinarily generous with their time, and who have led theway with responsible transportation choices for others to follow:

Lucy & Bart Hull, Arrowsic ............................................. Page 3Dave Walker & Paul Mahaffey, Guilford of Maine ........... Page 3Regina Gagnon, Shawmut .............................................. Page 4Cynthia Wells & Gene Ellis, Stockton Springs ............... Page 5Judd Mulkerin, Portland .................................................. Page 5Ed & Julia Meyers, Damariscotta ................................... Page 6Jan & Peter Wilk, Sebago ............................................... Page 6Ed Simmons, Yarmouth ................................................... Page 6Carl Mabee, Kennebunkport ............................................ Page 7Maria Egger, Arundel ...................................................... Page 7Nancy Drucker, Bowdoinham.......................................... Page 8David Demere, Monroe ................................................... Page 8Roger Stacy, Springfield .................................................. Page 9Ben Lounsbury, Auburn .................................................. Page 9Emory & Marilyn Ackley, Buckfield .............................. Page 10Eric Metzler, Enfield ...................................................... Page 10Heather “Betsy” Garrold, Knox .................................... Page 11Gerald Maraghy, York .................................................... Page 11Hope Brogunier, Bangor ............................................... Page 12Clark & Sharry McDermith, North Berwick .................. Page 12Beth Nagusky, Litchfield ................................................ Page 13Fred & Martha Herrick, Greenville Junction ................. Page 13Ruth Gabey, West Gardiner .......................................... Page 14Lesley Fernow & David Frasz, Dover-Foxcroft ............ Page 14Edward Myjack, Union .................................................. Page 15David Glenn-Lewin, Unity College ................................ Page 15Paul Leblond, Portland ................................................. Page 16Wesley Hall, Hollis ......................................................... Page 16Charlie MacArthur, Sangerville .................................... Page 17Shirley Lamson, Saco .................................................. Page 17Gary Nielsen, Sidney .................................................... Page 18Paul Schmidt, Kennebunk ............................................. Page 18Jeff Butler, Saco ............................................................ Page 18Brian Kent, Litchfield ..................................................... Page 19Michael Giguere, Harrison ............................................ Page 19Maine State Fleet .......................................................... 0Sanna Adams, Limington .............................................. Page 20Hybrid Car Comparisons ........................................ Back Cover

Editor: Judy Berk

Advisors: Sue JonesPete Didisheim

Writers: Tanya SwainPeter Taber

Photographer: Rebecca Goldenthal(unless otherwise noted)

Design: Jill Bock Design

Printer: Times Record

Pollster: Strategic Marketing Services

Cover Photo: Dean Bennett

Note – The charts on page 4, 7, 13 and 15 are based on gasoline costs of$1.35 per gallon and 15,000 miles of driving per year. Carbon Mon-oxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs) are the toxic air pollutants referred to in these charts.Source: www.fueleconomy.gov

How do hybrids get suchgreat gas mileage?

Gasoline-electric hybrids have agasoline engine as their main powersource but also use an electric motor foradditional power when needed. Hybridscan capture the energy normally lostduring braking and store it as electricityin a special battery. Unlike all-electricvehicles, hybrids run on regular un-leaded gasoline and never need to be“plugged in” to an electrical outlet.What’s more, hybrids don’t wasteenergy idling. The gasoline engine shutsoff when the car comes to a stop (e.g.,at a red light), to be started instantly bythe electric motor when needed again.

You may qualify for a taxbreak for buying a hybridvehicle

For more information please contact your

accountant and see our website at —

maineenvironment.org

in Maine

■ Hybrid vehicles have arrived in Maine. They are on the streets inHoulton, Dover-Foxcroft, Brooklin and York. They can be seen on thehighway, in the driveways of more than 80 Maine towns and in everyMaine county. And the owners of these cars are delighted with theperformance of their vehicles.

With gas prices on the rise and growing concern about airpollution and the risk of climate change, hybrid owners are remainingcool – knowing that they are helping save money on gas and helpingreduce the environmental impacts of driving. Today’s hybrid vehiclescan go 50 miles on a gallon of gas, releasing a fraction of the airpollution of conventional cars, and they do not need to be plugged infor recharging. And, hybrid cars are cheaper than the average newcar sold in Maine.

Hybrid vehicles are new to the car market, but their sales aretaking off in Maine. More than 150 hybrid vehicles have been sold inMaine in the last two years. This is a very high number, given thelimited initial production of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, thefirst two hybrids introduced to the U.S. market.

But more hybrids are on the way. Honda introduced a hybrid Civicin spring 2002. And Dodge, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler haveannounced that they will bring additional hybrid cars, sports utilityvehicles and trucks to the market during 2003 and 2004.

The profiles in this booklet show that hybrid vehicles are a goodfit for the Maine market. Insight and Prius owners describe excep-tional customer satisfaction with the reliability, performance, and costsavings of their vehicles. They also explain the importance of theirvehicle choice as a way of helping make adifference for the environment, dependence onforeign oil, and energy security.

Although hybrid vehicles have only been onthe market since the 2000 model year, morethan 90 percent of Maine people have heardabout these vehicles, according to a survey doneby Strategic Marketing Services. In the samesurvey, more than 60 percent of the respondentsindicated that they were interested in consideringpurchasing a hybrid vehicle the next time theyare shopping for a new car.

This data, and the personal stories con-tained in this publication, indicate that hybridvehicles have established a quick grip on theMaine car market. We encourage you to becomefamiliar with existing and emerging hybrid vehicles, and take onefor a drive the next time you consider purchasing a new vehicle.These are indeed “cool cars,” as their owners proclaim.

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Remember: cars comewith two price tags –one you pay at thedealer – the other youpay and pay, each timeyou fill the gas tank.

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How interested will you be in buyinga hybrid vehicle the next time youare shopping for a new car?

STRATEGIC MARKETING SERVICES,PORTLAND, ME / 2002

Hybrid Electric-Gasoline Vehiclesin Maine

Driving Hybrid Cars

– 2 –

Maine Hybrid CarOwners Live in:(as of April 2002)

AlfredArundelAuburnAugustaBailey IslandBangorBar HarborBathBerwickBiddeford PoolBlue HillBoothbay HarborBowdoinhamBremenBridgtonBristolBrooklinBrunswickBuckfieldBucksportCanaanCape ElizabethCape NeddickCape PorpoiseChinaCumberland Ctr.CushingDamariscottaDaytonDixfieldDover-FoxcroftDurhamEnfieldFalmouthFarmingdaleFreeportGorhamGreenvilleGreenville Jct.HampdenHarpswellHoldenHollisHoultonIslesboroJayKennebecKennebunkKennebunkportKitteryKnoxLebanon

LewistonLimingtonLitchfieldLymanMadisonMonroe

Mount DesertMount VernonNorth BerwickNortheast HarborOld TownOronoOrrs IslandOxfordPenobscotPhippsburg

PortlandRaymondReadfieldRockportSacoSanfordSangervilleScarboroughSebagoShawmutSidneySouth FreeportSouth Portland

SpringfieldSt. John PlantationStockton SpringsTenants HarborUnionUnityWalpoleWashingtonWatervilleWayneWest BathWest Boothbay Hrbr.West GardinerWindhamWinthropWoolwichYarmouthYork

LEGENDInsightPrius

in Maine

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“The Civic Hybrid is a wonderful teacher. Because itgives the driver constant feedback on what mileageit is getting, it becomes an intriguing game to be asefficient as possible. I find that it informs my drivingwhen I switch to driving our Subaru as well; thelessons are translatable to other vehicles. “It is remarkably satisfying to be driving down theroad at 65 plus miles per hour in this very quiet carknowing that it is getting at least twice the milesper gallon of most of the cars that surround you with no sacrifice incomfort or performance. And there is no need to turn up the stereo!”

Lucy & Bart Hull – Arrowsic

“The Civic Hybrid is a Wonderful Teacher”

Lucy & Bart Hull andtheir family.

Dave Walker (right)and Paul Mahaffey,co-workers at Guilfordof Maine, chose Priushybrid cars becausethey met the “triplebottom line,” makingsense for their wallets,comfort and environ-mental goals.

■ Dave Walker and Paul Mahaffey work forGuilford of Maine in Guilford. The company’sphilosophy includes the desire to strive for asustainable world. Dave Walker, CorporateFacilities Engineer, is a facilitator of thecompany-sponsored in-house sustainabilitytraining.

As a result of his readings and the trainingthat Dave took on, he became a believer in theneed to make a difference in our world. Whenpurchasing a car for his own family, Daveincorporated the lessons learned about thecompany’s philosophy – “the triple bottom line,”which considers financial, social and environ-mental aspects when making a purchase ortaking on new projects.• Financial – The purchase price was lessthan the replacement cost of Dave’s previousfamily car. Dave projected he would save asmuch money on gasoline as the cost of 1½ ofthe loan payments each year.• Social – The internal space, comfort andamenities for the family were all equal to orbetter than his previous car.• Environmental – Reduced vehicle weight(raw materials) and improved gas mileage

Why Two Co-Workers in Guilford Chose a PriusDave Walker & Paul Mahaffey – Guilford of Maine

translated to lower environmental impact. ThePrius is rated as a Super Ultra Low EmissionVehicle, reducing the pollutants that peoplehave to breathe by 50-96 percent.

In his “triple bottom line” analysis Daverealized that the Prius fullfilled all three areas.17,000 miles later, Dave’s family has no regrets.

Paul Mahaffey, Vice President of Opera-tions at Guilford of Maine, only needed to driveDave’s vehicle to be convinced. Once Pauldiscovered how comfortable the ride andinterior space was for his tall frame, he order-ed a Prius, too.

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Driving Hybrid Cars

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■ When she first got her Toyota Prius,Regina Gagnon was sometimes caught off-guard by the silence as the conventional gasengine shut down and the electric motorkicked in. The quiet of driving a hybrid electricvehicle took some getting used to, the centralMaine resident admits. “I’d roll the windowdown and listen to the ‘no noise.’ The only thingyou could hear were the tires crunching on theground.”

Prius Helped TeachDriver to Be MoreFuel-Efficient

Regina Gagnon – Shawmut

The other major difference from a conven-tional car, like the Toyota Camry her familydrove for ten years before they got the Prius, isthe digital display on the instrument panel thatreports current gas mileage and the averagemileage at five-minute intervals. Like manyPrius owners, she reports that this feature hashelped teach her how to be a more fuel-efficient driver and would even help the driverof a conventional vehicle save on gas.

As the family’s usual designated driver,Gagnon finds the low end of the car’s mileageperformance is around 38 in cold weatherwhen she makes the 10-mile commutebetween her home in Shawmut and Waterville.“I kind of kill my mileage there,” she says,noting that on long-distance trips at highwayspeeds she gets up to 55 mpg. On average,the mileage is 48 mpg. For comparison, shesays, under the best of circumstances herCamry got 33 to 38 mpg.

In most respects, Gagnon finds the Priusmuch like any other car of its size. She’slearned to handle it in crosswinds and reportsit starts right up in cold weather, has goodtraction in snow and has a good heater.There’s plenty of leg and headroom front andrear to accommodate her six-foot son. If shehas any complaint, it’s an old beef she’s hadwith a number of cars – “There’s no place for awoman’s handbag!”

“ I bought thePrius becauseit was a SuperUltra LowEmissionVehicle andthe price wasright.”

Hybrid Cars Come in ULEV and SULEV Versions

Choose SULEV CarsThey Pollute 11-21% Less Than ULEVs

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What Regina Saved

1992 Toyota Camry 2001 Toyota Prius

MPG (city/hwy) 18 / 25 52 / 45Annual Fuel Cost $962 $422

– Air Pollution –GreenhseGases

Worst Best

15.3 3.1

Worst Best

15.3 3.19.2 tons/yr. 4.0 tons/yr.

Pollutants:CO, NOx, VOCs 322 lbs./yr. 239 lbs./yr.

in Maine

– 5 –

■ Employed as a nurse with InternationalPaper, Cynthia Wells’ life doesn’t run 9 to 5. Sheand her husband, Gene, own rental property intown and each year raise a small herd oflivestock for meat. In addition, they have 10grandchildren. Given all this, Cynthia couldeasily be referring to her own personal energyreserves when she talks conservation. Likemany hybrid car owners, however, the energyshe wants to conserve is fuel, and her ToyotaPrius is “just another energy alternative.”

“We have some solar and plan on gettinga wind turbine next year,” Cynthia said. “...If(the U.S.) could get rid of our dependence onthe Middle East, it would be wonderful.”

6 foot 7-inch Stockton Springs Man GetsInto His Toyota Prius and Drives “Just Fine”

Cynthia Wells & Gene Ellis – Stockton Springs

“We crossed the Appalachiansseveral times and the car didn’t haveany trouble handling hills. We passed

18-wheelers without a problem, just likeany regular four-cylinder car.”

– Cynthia Wells

The couple had alreadybeen interested in hybridtechnology for some timewhen the Chewonki Founda-tion offered a seminar onalternative energy last year.At the seminar, both a Priusand Honda Insight wereavailable for people to testdrive. “My other half is 6-foot7-inches and over 300pounds,” Cynthia said. “Hecouldn’t begin to get into theInsight but the Toyota hecould get into fine – anddrive. It has a normal back seat and trunk.”

The Prius was so comfortable the couplewas able to take it on a three-week vacation tothe south where they put on over 3,500 milesand spent about $60 on gas. “We crossed theAppalachians several times and the car didn’thave any trouble handling hills. We passed 18-wheelers without a problem, just like anyregular four-cylinder car,” Cynthia said.

On vacation, CynthiaWells and Gene Ellisdrove 3,500 miles andspent only $60 on gas.

Judd Mulkerin finds his Honda Insightis “fun, cheap to operate and is theright thing to do. It works just like anyother car. I get a lot of responsesincluding ‘thumbs up’, horn honks,and ’that’s an awesome car.’”

Judd Mulkerin – Portland

Driving Hybrid Cars

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Edward and Julia Meyers bought the 2000 Honda Insight floormodel. Edward especially appreciates the “wondrous ride,

especially after 15 years in a Nissan pickup.”“Fantasize that the USA could and wouldemulate and it would save over two millionbarrels of oil a day,” said Edward. “Technologywill save you if you can wait long enough.”

Ed & Julia Meyers – Damariscotta

■ “Ecological benefit” is the short answerPeter Wilk gives for why he and his wife, Jan,decided to purchase a Toyota Prius. He’s apast national president of Physicians for SocialResponsibility and they’re parents of a son withasthma. With both broad and personal con-cerns for the quality of Maine’s air, the hybridelectric vehicle with the lowest emissionsrating was a natural choice.

Despite the state’s reputation for un-spoiled natural beauty, Jan is quick to makethe point, “We have an air quality problem herein Maine.” Even if some of this problem can beblamed on Midwestern coal-fired power plants,she believes “anything we in this state can doto alleviate the problem we should.” The Priusis the only hybrid vehicle currently certified asa Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV),with 96 percent less toxic and smog causinggases than a conventional vehicle.

That said, the Wilks find Prius a greatchoice as a family vehicle. They live up a dirtroad in Sebago and even though they alsohave an all-wheel-drive Subaru, they discov-ered the Prius was more than adequate fortheir purposes in its first winter – much of thatwithout benefit of snow tires.

“We love it and recommend it to everyonewho will listen,” Peter declares. “We’ve notbeen disappointed,” Jan seconds him.

The couple has received numerous casual

“We Love It and Recommend It to Anyone Who Will Listen”

Jan & Peter Wilk – Sebago

queries, in particular, it seems, from people intheir 60s. “It feels very solid and safe,” Janexplains. “It doesn’t feel like being in a VW bug,which I owned years ago. I mean, it’s not likebeing in a tin can. There’s a lot of room inside.”

While the couple is thinking of some daygoing to a smaller two-seater hybrid vehicle foreven better gas mileage, at present they havethree chilren to chauffeur about and the mile-age they have been getting has been gratifying.

“It’s much higher in warm weather,” Janreports, about 52 mpg. Colder weatherdropped this figure, especially when theyfinally got around to putting on snow tires.The winter average has been about 47 mpg.Although she initially worried it might be toodistracting, Jan particularly likes the instrumentreadout with immediate and average mpginformation. “It really helps you monitor whatyou’re doing when you drive.”

Despite thestate’s reputa-tion forunspoilednatural beauty,Jan Wilk makesthe point, “Wehave an airquality problemhere in Maine.”Even if some ofthis problemcan be blamedon Midwesterncoal-firedpower plants,she believes“anything we inthis state cando to alleviatethe problem weshould.”

Ed Simmons (left), Peter Wilk and their twin Priuses gettogether on the Portland waterfront.

in Maine

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Kennebunk to Sanford Commuter SometimesGoes Six Weeks Between Fill-Ups

Carl Mabee – Kennebunkport

People Surprised at the Roomin the Egger Family’s Car

Maria Egger – Arundel

■ High mileage and low emissions promptedMaria Egger to consider purchasing a hybridcar to replace use of the family’s ToyotaForerunner. Maria’s wholesale wind chimebusiness, Goose Rocks Designs, requires herto haul merchandise to trade shows twice ayear, so she’s kept the SUV for those trips butthe Prius takes her everywhere else now –including frequent trips to Portland.

“People are surprised at the room in thecar. We have two teenagers and it’s veryroomy,” Egger says. “People always commentthat this car is a thing of the future. I thinkthey’re leery of the technology and we’re theguinea pigs... but the technology has been wellthought out.”

So how was winterdriving? Maria says, “thecar started right up andhandled snow conditionsthe same as a conventionalsedan.”

Maria has a warningfor hybrid car owners: Becareful not to startlepedestrians. “One of theweirdest things about (the Prius) is that at slowspeeds the electric engine kicks in and it’s veryquiet. I’ve been driving through parking lotsbefore and people don’t hear the car comingso they get very startled if they turn aroundand see me behind them,” Egger says.

“It is a very comfortable car for a family of four,”says Maria Egger. As for fuel economy, “so far ithas actually exceeded the published numbersfor highway driving.”

Unlike many Americans today, when CarlMabee makes the commute each day from hishome in Kennebunkport to work in Sanford,he’s not worrying about time. Carl is focusedon conservation, fuel conservation to be exact.

“I love the on-board computer. To max-imize miles per gallon is such a challenge,”Carleton said.

Carl, who previously drove a 1998 DodgeRam, bought a Honda Insight in 2000 becauseof its good gas mileage. The car hasn’t let himdown. Between Sanford and Kennebunkport –if the conditions are just right – he can achieve80 mpg. “Compared to my truck, monthly billswent from $200 a month to $30 a month,” saysCarl.

During his daily commute, he sets milesper gallon goals to make the ride go morequickly. In winter and spring the Insight ‘only’

gets around 60 mpg. During the summer,however, Carl averages 72 mpg and some-times goes six weeks between fill-ups.

One more side benefit: Carl says he gets‘thumbs up’ a lot.

“ Comparedto my truck,monthly billswent from$200 to $30a month.”

What Carl Saved

1998 Dodge Ram1500 Pickup 4WD

2000 HondaInsight



13.5 tons/yr. 3.0 tons/yr.Pollutants:CO, NOx, VOCs 343 lbs./yr. 239 lbs./yr.

Worst Best

15.3 3.1

Worst Best

15.3 3.1

Driving Hybrid Cars

– 8 –

David Demere bought his 2002 Prius because of“fuel economy and the ‘cleanburningness’ of it.”As a carpenter, working on a house in Blue Hill,he brings his tools to the jobsite in his 1989Plymouth Voyager, but commutes to the jobdaily in his Prius. David ordered his hybrid car inJune and it finally came in after Thanksgiving.“I’m in favor of any measure that mandates thatcarmakers supply and sell more high efficiency,clean burning cars.”

David Demere – Monroe

■ Nancy Drucker’s daughter Elizabeth is, inher mother’s words, “very pretty.” Still, Nancysays It’s a toss-up between Elizabeth’s goodlooks or the sleek Insight she was driving thatcaused a gentleman that passed the Druckersparked at a scenic outlook in North Carolina tomake a U-turn and backtrack just to talk abouttheir car.

“If I were interested in meeting a man, I’dclaim it’s better than a dog for making friends,”Nancy, 70, said.

Nancy keeps the books for her daughter’sTopsham ballet school and bought the Insightnearly a year ago so she could pass on her1997 Subaru to Elizabeth. Several generationsago, Nancy had the use of a little MG andlikens driving the Insight to the same kind ofsports car feel.

“This is coming from a totally non-mechanical person, but the speedometer looksdifferent. The numbers are at least one inch talland I wonder if it’s because you don’t realizehow fast the car is going,” Drucker said.

Nancy’s daughter drove her to an Augustadealership to pick up her new Insight. On thedrive home, Nancy wondered why her daugh-ter was following behind in the Subaru so

Insight is “Better Than a Dog forMaking Friends”

Nancy Drucker – Bowdoinham

slowly. “The (Insight) was so peppy, I didn’trealize I was going 80 mph!” Nancy said.

The Insight’s attractive lines and smoothdriving are icing on the cake for Nancy whobought the hybrid for its environmental – andnow national – responsibility. “I heard recentlythat if the average car in America increased itsgas mileage to 40 miles per gallon we wouldn’tneed to import any oil from the Middle East.”At 62 miles per gallon, Nancy is certainly doingher part.

“ I heard recent-ly that if theaverage carin Americaincreased itsgas mileageto 40 miles pergallon wewouldn’t needto import anyoil from theMiddle East.”

in Maine

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■ “I just want to have the highest mileage Ican,” says self-described “fuel miser” BenLounsbury of his decision to replace his six-year-old Honda Accord with a hybrid electricHonda Insight. And he hasn’t been disap-pointed, the Auburn physician with “engineer-ing proclivities” reports.

Ben appreciates the two trip meters thatallow him to keep track of overall mileage for aparticular trip and also check his mileage for aspecific leg of that trip. A third meter showshim precisely what his rate of fuel consumptionis as he drives and a fourth records thevehicle’s lifetime performance.

It’s possible Lounsbury’s Insight may oneday be a record-setter because he pays strictattention to the mileage meters trying tosqueeze out maximum fuel performance underall conditions. “They teach you what you’redoing. That’s the beauty of those meters.”Between home and office he travels 5.5 miles,climbing about 60 vertical feet overall. In warmweather his mileage varies from 63 to 65 mpg,the slightly better performance coming on thedownhill homeward run.

Accelerating from a standstill, he notesabout 11 mpg. At 35 miles per hour (mph) on aflat stretch mileage peaks at about 100 mpg. At55 mph it settles on what has been the car’soverall average performance of 60 mpg. “Youvary in either direction from there.” Drafting a

Mileage Peaks at About 100 Miles Per GallonBen Lounsbury – Auburn

safe seven car lengths back from a big truck atthat speed, he has discovered he can boostmileage to about 70 mpg. Interestingly, if thetruck is going 80 mph, the mileage doesn’tchange. Cold weather does depress perfor-mance somewhat.

Lounsbury is leery about endorsing thehybrid concept uncritically. After all, he pointsout, it’s still possible to have a gas-guzzlingSUV that employs this technology. At its heart,he says, the Insight is a small, light vehiclewhose conventional one-liter three-cylinderengine alone would make it slightly underpow-ered. But combine that package with anelectric motor and head-turning aerodynamicstyling and what you get is a vehicle thatperforms well and gets the best mileageavailable on the North American road today.

If that weren’t good enough, he adds, theride is comfortable on long trips and theinterior is positively roomy. He can even fit hisbicycle in the back.

“I think fuel efficiency is the most importantcharacteristic of a car... I would recommend

the Insight to other fuel conscious people, whoneed only two seats, without reservation!”

“As a home health nurse, I drive 200-500 miles a week for work in ruralNortheast Maine,” says Roger Stacey.He finds his Prius has “plenty of roomfor kids, groceries and more.”

Roger Stacy – Springfield

Driving Hybrid Cars

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■ The fact that the Toyota Prius is certifiedtwo steps up from the average automobile as aSuper Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) –generating half the smog-causing nitrogenoxides of a conversion vehicle – was the reasonbehind Emory and Marilyn Ackley’s choice.“We bought the Prius on principle and counterto other purchasing principles,” says Emory,who goes on to explain that had one beenavailable, their inclination would have been topurchase a union-made American vehicle.

They live on a country road about sixmiles from downtown Buckfield and with twowinters under their belt feel the Prius com-pares most favorably with the four front-wheel-drive cars they’ve previously owned. It handleswell on snow and ice, “better than the SaturnSLZ which was our previous car.”

In addition to going regularly into town orto Paris, 10 miles away, the Ackleys make aweekly trip to Lewiston and occasional trips to

Couple Bought Prius on PrincipleEmory & Marilyn Ackley – Buckfield

Portland and points south. They travel anaverage of 750 miles a month and average 53mpg in summer. Mileage falls off with coldweather. The first winter it was 44 mpg but thispast one it was 48 mph. They figure thedifference was due to milder temperatures.

Emory reports he keeps a careful eye onthe car’s five-minute mileage rate updates asthe Prius rolls along. “You feel as though you’rein competition with yourself – or your spouse.”

The vehicle has been almost trouble free.They follow the dealer’s recommendation for anoil change every 7,500 miles and that’s beenabout it. So far the only thing they’ve paid for isa wheel alignment after they hit a pothole.

Emory Ackley of Buckfield thinks thatMaine should require that car makers sell acertain percentage of hybrid or all electricvehicles by a given date. “I’m a supporter ofthat. If it’s going to happen, it’s up to the Stateto bring some pressure,” says Emory.

Emory Ackley ofBuckfield thinksthat Maineshould requirethat car makerssell a certainpercentage ofhybrid or allelectric vehiclesby a given date.“If it’s going tohappen, it’s upto the state tobring somepressure,” saysEmory.

■ Car shoppers interested in the experiencesof Toyota Prius owners can find a wealth ofinformation on line at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius/. An e-mail group and website dedicated to discussions about the ToyotaPrius and hybrid technology, the yahoo web

site was started in2000 by EricMetzler of Enfield,and now has 3,300members. “It’s thebiggest group of itskind,” Eric says.

Eric startedthe site afterfollowing an emailgroup focused onthe Honda Insight.When he couldn’t

Enfield Man Shares His EnthusiasmEric Metzler – Enfield

find a similar group for the Prius, he started hisown. Visitors to the site can read the glowingrecommendations of Prius owners, and aboutcommon questions about the car. One mem-ber, an American living in Japan, had beendriving a Prius long before they were introduc-ed in the U.S. and was pleased to see hybridtechnology finally available in this country.

While the web site attracts attention frommore drivers in populous states like Massa-chusetts and California, Eric is also spreadingthe word in Maine, by showing off his Prius atlocal fairs.

Eric Metzler of Enfield founded a web site for discussionsof the Toyota Prius. Here, Eric and his Prius are in WestEnfield overlooking the the Penobscot River to Howland.

“It’s a great little car withgood mpg. It’s roomy inside,

quiet and clean and hasa smooth ride.”

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in Maine

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“ I went to aNational ScoutJamboree inVirginia andfilled the backup with a footlocker, sleepingbags... and Icould still seeout the backwindow. Afriend of minewas goingdown in aSuburban andwe both filledup in NJ. Histook 20 gallonsand mine took5.6 and wewere essentiallyhauling thesame stuff.”

■ At 6 foot tall, 230-plus pounds, GerryMaraghy marvels at the space in his HondaInsight. “I went to a National Scout Jamboreein Virginia and filled the back up with a footlocker, sleeping bags... and I could still see outthe back window. A friend of mine was goingdown in a Suburban and we both filled up inNew Jersey. His took 20 gallons and mine took5.6 and we were essentially hauling the samestuff,” Gerry said.

“People comment that (this technology) isthe wave of the future. I say, look around you –it should be the wave of the here and now,”says Gerry. He chose the car because of its“impressive miles per gallon, ultra low impacton the environment, conventional handling(with no plug in), comfortable roomy interiorand great looks exterior.”

A graphic designer, Gerry works for ahospital in Brunswick that uses pneumatictubes to move x-rays, lab samples and othermaterials quickly from one department toanother. His boss has dubbed Gerry’s Insight,“The pneumatic tube of Route 1.”

Despite typical Maine winter weatherconditions, Gerry says he’s had no troublemaking the 75-mile commute from home, evenduring the snowy winter of 2000-2001, and his

“I’m Not a Cutting Edge Kind of Guy”Gerald Maraghy – York

Honda is “amazingly stable.”“Unless these guys in 4 x 4 trucks are

driving off-road – which I bet 9/10th of themaren’t – driving a big vehicle doesn’t makesense economically or environmentally,” Gerrysaid. “I’m not a cutting edge kind of guy butwhen I originally looked at the Insight whenthey introduced them to the U.S. in 2000, theyhad already been using them for three years inJapan. I’ve had no problems with either the caror the dealership.”

Betsy Garrold, pictured with her son Heath, first sat in a HondaInsight at the Common Ground Fair in 2000 and she was hooked.

Now she commutes in her “great littlecar” 45 miles each way to work inBangor. She kept her old 1991 FordEscort station wagon for hauling chickenfeed and her two big dogs. “I wanted ahydrogen fuel cell car, but they’re notmaking those yet,” so Betsy settled onthe Insight and she’s glad she did.

Heather “Betsy” Garrold – Knox

Gerry Maraghy of York chose the car because of its“impressive miles per gallon, ultra low impact on theenvironment, conventional handling (with no plug in),comfortable roomy interior and great looks exterior.”

Driving Hybrid Cars

– 12 –

■ A new grandmother, Hope Brogunierdoesn’t think of herself as “a swashbucklingsnazzy car driver.” She purchased her snappylittle Honda Insight as part of a life-long desire“to live lightly on the earth” but living responsi-

bly has led to someamusing consequences.

There was the timewhen she was driving intraffic in Rhode Islandand heard a hornblaring. Thinkingsomeone wanted her tomove over, she wassurprised to see twoguys in a red truckgiving her ‘thumbs up.’

Another time she came out of a restroom tofind two guys circling her vehicle.

“The questions always start with, ‘Do youlike the car?’ After I talked with them, one ofthe guys said, ‘Well, that’s the next car I’mgoing to get for my wife,’ and the other guysaid, ‘Do the dealers give you any commissionfor the time we’re taking?’”

Bangor Grandmother Doesn’t Thinkof Herself as “Snazzy Car Driver”

Hope Brogunier – Bangor

Hope said after people hear that herInsight gets 63 miles per gallon and realize itdoesn’t have to be plugged in (!), the secondquestion they always ask is, “Why aren’t allcars made like this?”

“There are a lot of causes I care deeplyabout but nothing I’ve ever written, done orsaid has gotten as much attention as drivingthis car,” Hope said.

Hope believes her Insight is one of thefirst hybrid cars sold in Bangor. Whether she’sdriving in Maine or elsewhere, her car alwaysattracts attention, especially from men.

“There are two types of guys out there:Those who know about hybrids and are eagerto hear how it’s performing and those who lovesnazzy sports cars. I always ask the latter toguess the miles per gallon and what it costs. Idon’t think anyone has ever over guessed thempg and almost nobody guesses how reason-ably priced it is,” Hope said. “The car is its ownbest advertisement.”

Hope said after peoplehear that her Insightgets 63 miles per gallonand realize it doesn’thave to be plugged in(!), the second questionthey always ask is,“Why aren’t all carsmade like this?”

“The car is its own bestadvertisement.”

Clark says he and his wife Sharry bought theirPrius “for environmental reasons. I feel verystrongly that ourgovernment policiescontinue our over-dependence on fossilfuels,” but theyshould support“alternate sourcesof energy.”

Clark & SharryMcDermith– North Berwick

Which of the following do youthink should be the nation’sfirst priority in addressing thenation’s energy situation?

STRATEGIC MARKETING SERVICES,PORTLAND, MAINE / 2002

More efficientenergy use

65% More oilproduction

32%

Don’t know3%

in Maine

– 13 –

■ Cold weather doesn’t come as a surprisein Greenville Junction, just west of Greenville,off Moosehead Lake in northwestern Maine.What has come as a pleasant surprise forresident Fred Herrick is the performance of hisToyota Prius. While chilly weather does lowerthe miles per gallon from over 50 in warmermonths, the Prius has performed beautifully inbelow-zero temperatures, Fred said. He’s been“extremely happy” with the car. “It’s our first‘luxury car,’” he said, noting that his previous

For the Herricks of Greenville Junction,Prius Is First ‘Luxury Car’

Fred & Martha Herrick – Greenville Junction “ We feel it isunwise to wagewars over fossilfuel; we believelots of peoplemaking a smallchange couldresult in a BIGCHANGE.”

cars did not have an automatic transmission,air conditioning or power windows.

In Greenville, population 1,800, Fred ownsone of three hybrid vehicles buzzing aroundtown. “I think Greenville folks are environmen-tally conscious,” he says. He and his wife,Martha, bought the Prius because of its gasmileage and low fuel emissions. “We feel it isunwise to wage wars over fossil fuel; webelieve lots of people making a small changecould result in a BIG CHANGE.”

Beth Nagusky of Litchfield purchased herHonda Insight in 2000 “to reduce person-al greenhouse gas emissions.” Her “MPG70” license plate tells part of the story, butthe reason behind her choice is “It’s im-portant to reduce greenhouse gases sothat we can leave our children andgrandchildren a world that will be worthliving in.”

Beth Nagusky – Litchfield

Do you favor or oppose requiringautomakers to increase the miles pergallon of gas for new vehicles?

STRATEGIC MARKETING SERVICES,PORTLAND, MAINE / 2002

Don’t know3%

Oppose10%

Favor87%

What Beth Saved

1993 Geo Prizm 2001 Honda Insight




Worst Best

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Driving Hybrid Cars

– 14 –

■ Ruth Gabey marvels at the questionspeople ask about her Honda Insight. “Do youhave to plug it in?” is a response many hybridcar owners get, but Ruth is more amused byfolks who want to know if it will go in the snowor if it rolls over. “Nobody asks questions aboutother cars like this,” she said.

Pointing to her own experience, Ruth saysshe and her husband had to cancelgoing to a Christmas party one yearbecause they feared not being ableto get their 1995 Ford van up thedriveway. “(The Insight) drives justlike any other car,” she said.

One difference that Ruth hasnoticed is that “young people give usthe ‘high sign.’ A couple of youngladies once thanked us for buying it.”

“Do You Have to Plug It In? No!”Ruth Gabey – West Gardiner

Ruth’s husband, Richard, drives a schoolbus. Ruth says she is interested in seeing thehybrid technology adapted to other types ofvehicles. “I just got an e-mail saying thepresident of Italy has mandated that by 2005all carmakers (in that country) develop electric/hydrogen technology... we need this technol-ogy in trucks and buses as well.”

One difference that Ruth hasnoticed is that “young peoplegive us the ‘high sign.’”

“ A couple ofyoung ladiesonce thankedus for buyingit.”

“ It’s a wonderfulcar. I’ve heardpeople saythat they don’twant to buyone until thebugs are work-ed out but it’scompletelyunder warrantyso there’s reallyno risk.”

■ Lesley Fernow knows her individualdecision to buy a hybrid car won’t have asignificant impact on conserving world energyresources or decreasing air pollution, but ifeveryone made that small personal decision...well... “it could make a big difference,” she said.

An internist and member of Physicians forSocial Responsibility, Lesley has beeninterested in air quality and pollution issues foryears. When she and husband, David, pur-chased their Toyota Prius last April, gas priceswere going up and the couple felt they “hadjust made the biggest coup ever,” Lesley said.

The switch from her former car – a LincolnContinental that got “20 miles per gallon on agood day” – may have heightened Lesley’s

Dover-Foxcroft Couple’s Previous Car“Got 20 Miles Per Gallon on a Good Day”

Lesley Fernow & David Frasz – Dover-Foxcroft

enthusiasm. Even now, however, with volatilegasoline prices, Lesley loves driving her Prius.“You really feel good driving this car because...you know it’s not wasting fuel and when it turnsoff at a stoplight, you know you’re not pollut-ing,” she said.

Before purchasing the Prius, Lesley saidshe considered buying a Subaru or other four-wheel drive vehicle to get in and out of backroads in the winter. While she’s found thePrius to be “a little bit light on ice,” it’s done wellin winter driving. “It’s a wonderful car. I’veheard people say that they don’t want to buyone until the bugs are worked out but it’scompletely under warranty so there’s reallyno risk.”

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– 15 –

■ As an industrial designer, Edward Myjackpossesses “an insatiable need for newtechnology.” He also has a weakness for high-performance vehicles.

“Honda has created a high performancevehicle in terms of its extremely high gas mile-age and very low emissions. And it’s still fun todrive,” says Edward whose previous car was a1988 Corvette. “I wanted an everyday car that’sbetter on gas, has a low frequency of repairrate, with a good aesthetic and ergonomics.Hondas have always been extremely reliablecars with excellent fit and finish.”

Edward’s Insight averages 72 mpg on thehighway (best is 74.6 mpg on a trip to Con-necticut). “In the Insight, you expect more,” hesays. “The worst gas mileage is 25 mpg goingup steep hills... overcoming gravity is when youuse the most fuel.” He speculates that if SUVswere built with as much aluminum and plasticas the Insight, even these vehicles would seeimproved gas mileage as a result of havingless weight for the engine to move around.

Always on the look out for a good deal atthe pumps, Edward believes consumers wouldbecome more interested in hybrid vehicles ifgas prices were to increase. “In Connecticut,sales tax is waived to encourage buyers into

“Extremely High Gas Mileage, Very Low Emissionsand It’s Still Fun to Drive”

Edward Myjack – Union

these newhybrids... Mainemight think aboutdoing the same,”he suggested.

Edward saidthe Insight meetsand even exceedsmany of his ex-pectations. Still, he’s already looking to thefuture. In 2004, Edward expects Honda to debutits first production fuel-cell vehicle – he’ll bewaiting in the wings. “If every car in Americagot 40 mpg or better, we wouldn’t need to bein the Middle East protecting our interests.”

“I wanted an everydaycar that’s better ongas, has a lowfrequency of repairrate, and with a goodaesthetic and ergon-omics,” says Edwardwhose prior car wasa 1988 Corvette.

Unity College President, David Glenn-Lewin says he chose his hybrid ToyotaPrius because “It’s the right thing to do both as the leader of what we call‘America’s Environmental College’ and tomatch my personal beliefs.” He finds the Prius“much quieter” than his old Mazda Protégéand notes another important difference: “Youcan’t call it the gas pedal anymore – you mayget gas, you may get an electric motor or youmay get both... but you get something!”

David Glenn-Lewin – Unity College

What Edward Saved

1988Chevy Corvette

2001Honda Insight




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Driving Hybrid Cars

– 16 –

■ “I thought something was wrong with it.”That was Wesley Hall’s reaction the first fewtimes after he bought his Toyota Prius whenthe gas-fueled engine shut down and thealmost silent electric motor took over. After ayear of driving about 500 miles a week, theretiree from Hollis is no longer disconcerted atthe abrupt silence. He knows his vehicle hasswitched into fuel-saving mode, relying on theenergy captured from the brakes and downhillcoasting instead of expensive and ultimatelyfinite gasoline.

“It’s the solution for pollution,” says Wesleyin explaining why he chose to purchase ahybrid vehicle like the Prius. “The less gas youburn, the less pollution there is.”

It took almost three months after heordered the vehicle before it arrived but Wesleyfeels it was worth the wait. Initially, the car wasa great novelty and he frequently found himselfanswering questions from total strangerswanting to know more about it. Now that he’shad it awhile his friends and neighbors at least

“The Less Gas You Burn, the Less Pollution There Is”

Wesley Hall – Hollis

have had opportunity to satisfy their curiosityand Wesley spends less time being anunofficial Toyota salesman.

“It’s a good little car,” he says. “It handleswell. It’s really just like any other front-wheeldrive.” Well, just like any other front-wheel drivethat happens to get 52 mpg. That’s Wesley’saverage mileage. The car sometimes performsa bit better than that. In wintertime and whenhe does a lot of stop-and-go driving themileage falls off somewhat but he reports “45mpg – that’s about as low as it ever gets.”

Wesley says he’s found the Prius handles“very nicely” and on the whole has been justabout trouble-free. “We had a problem at firstwith the tires but the dealer took care of it,” hesays. He went to different tires andeverything’s been okay since.

Wesley says “I think it would be a verygood idea” to require car makers to meet apercentage quota by a certain date for salesof hybrid or electric cars.

“ It’s the solutionfor pollution.”

Paul Leblond says he purchased his ToyotaPrius when his Chevy Nova was “dying,”because “I wanted to do my part to keep theair clean.” Paul says, “The Prius’ response isdifferent from my Chevy Nova. The Prius gasengine shuts down when stopped – toreduce air emissions. In my Nova, when thegas engine shut down it had stalled!”

Paul Leblond – Portland

in Maine

– 17 –

■ When Shirley Lamson of Saco heads outfor errands in her Toyota Prius, her son justshakes his head. Nicknamed “the Jetson Car”by one of Shirley’s sons, the Toyota is ananomaly in Saco where it was the first hybridcar sold. It’s also an exception in the Lamsonfamily where the boys all own large vehicles.Shirley, herself, replaced a GMC Jimmy withthe Prius. She hasn’t looked back since.

“I bought the Prius because of its fueleconomy, lower emissions, comfort – even inthe back seats – and quietness,” Shirley said.“The car is a joy to drive,” she said, even in thewinter.

The Prius is “A Joy to Drive,” Even in WinterShirley Lamson – Saco

While Shirleyhad previouslyowned a small car,she was hesitantto drive the Priusin the snow. Whena family memberhad to go to theairport in asnowstorm, Shirley discovered the Prius couldhandle snowy weather just fine. “It was anawakening as I drove through sometimesunplowed roads without any problem,” shesaid. “It’s a great little car!”

“The only negative isbeing called the ‘Jetsoncar,’ but I have the lastlaugh at the gas pump,”says Shirley Lamson ofSaco.

■ For three decades, Charlie MacArthur ofSangerville has been passionate aboutalternative energy resources and electricvehicles. On July 13, 1974, Charlie drove anelectric motorcycle to the summit of MountWashington – 6,288 feet high.

That accomplishment and the fuel crisis ofthe 1970s inspired him to sponsor an annualMt. Washington event where participantscompeted to determine who could drive to thesummit and back using the least amount of“fuel.”

Now 74, Charlie is skeptical that hybridtechnology will make a real difference insaving us from the inevitable – running out offuel. Outfitting every American driver with afuel-efficient vehicle would be a huge under-taking, he says.

In a time of low fuel prices and high SUVsales, he cites a commonly used statisticthese days – the United States has 5 percentof the world’s population and consumes 25percent of its oil.

In the meantime, Charlie drives three veryefficient cars. For short trips, he has an

The Best Car He’s Ever DrivenCharlie MacArthur – Sangerville

electric car called a “Sparrow,” that is compact,three-wheeled, seats one, and gets 350 mpgusing EPA values for gasoline and electricpower, says Charlie. He also drives a 1980“Freeway” that gets 80 miles to the gallon, anda Toyota Prius, which he says is the best carhe’s ever driven. “The best mileage I’ve gottenwas 66.3 on a trip to Bangor... it’s the best two-wheel drive in any kind of snow.”

The United States has 5 percent of the world’s population and consumes25 percent of its oil. Outfitting every American driver with a fuel-efficientvehicle would be a huge undertaking, says Charlie MacArthur ofSangerville, pictured here with his Prius on top of New Hampshire’sMount Washington.

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Driving Hybrid Cars

– 18 –

Gary Nielsen drives his Toyota Prius2,500 miles a month. “It is quiet as amouse when stopped at a light orcrosswalk,” he says.

Gary Nielsen – Sidney

■ “I’ve often thought I should write Toyotaand say you guys should give us a percent-age,” says retired teacher Paul Schmidt. He’sreferring to the free salesmanship he and hiswife often find themselves performing in theirenthusiasm for their Toyota Prius. People arealways approaching them to ask about thehybrid electric vehicle and they certainly havebeen gracious in responding.

“One family came over and we ended upgiving them a test drive,” he says.

They’ve owned a string of Toyotas overthe years and when it came time to find areplacement vehicle they decided to opt for thePrius and “be less reliant on gasoline prices.”

In addition to occasional jaunts to Portlandand Kittery, the couple has driven to Floridaonce, to Illinois twice and on an extended1,300-mile trip to Pennsylvania. This last tripthey averaged 46.7 mpg with a major portion

Retired Teacher Finds Prius HasHim Teaching Again

Paul Schmidt – Kennebunk

interstate highway driving at 70 to 75 mph.Schmidt and his wife both have back

problems and one of the things that hasimpressed them about the car is its interiorroominess and how comfortable the frontbucket seats are. He reports his 91-year-oldmother-in-law is now living with them and thereis plenty of room in back to take her along. “Fora compact car we find it extremely comfort-able,” he says.

Another thing they like is the extendedwarranty option they purchased with thevehicle. “We’re driving care-free,” he says. “Ifanything goes wrong, we’re totally confident itwill be taken care of.”

Schmidt loves the hybrid concept and isenthusiastic about the idea of rebates or taxreductions for purchasers of new, moreenvironmentally-friendly vehicles.

Paul Schmidt ofKennebunk hasowned a stringof Toyotas overthe years andwhen it cametime to find areplacementvehicle hedecided to optfor the newPrius and “beless reliant ongasoline prices.”

“The Insight is a perfect fit for those whouse their car primarily for commuting, orthose who do not require a large vehiclefor transporting people or cargo. As thetechnology is fitted into larger cars I woulddefinitely recommend it to anyone.”

Jeff Butler – Saco

in Maine

– 19 –

Left: “It’s theresponsible thing todo, it’s fun to drivesummer and winterand it costs me around2 cents a mile to run,”says Brian Kent ofLitchfield of hisHonda Insight.

Above:The Insight’s control panel monitors current and lifetimemiles per gallon; Brian’s average is 70 mpg.

■ A self-employed land use planner,Brian Kent has watched the developmentof hybrid cars over the last 10 to 15years. The Insight is the first new car thathe ever bought.

“The Insight is a thoughtfully design-ed, intelligent car,” Brian says. “It was ano brainer to get one when you go from35 mpg on other Hondas to the promiseof 60 to 70 mpg (with the Insight).”

“Purchasing an Insight was a sensi-ble business decision because 90 percentof the time, I’m the only one in the car and I’m driving 50miles or more. You can charge the standard 32 cents permile but the car really only costs me around 2 cents a mileto run,” Brian says.

While Brain’s Insight averages 75 mpg in the summer, itdrops to 62 mpg in the winter when he adds studded snowtires, an essential for his long steep driveway and frequenttravel over icy back roads. With snow tires, Brian says thecar does well in the winter, even “performing beautifully” in a“blizzard” in 2001 when he had to drive to Rockland and back.

“The car challenges you to do better. It’s trained meto be a diligent driver,” says Brian.

Insight Tempts Litchfield Man to BuyHis First New Car

Brian Kent – Litchfield

■ Like most hybrid car owners, MichaelGiguere of Harrison has become accustomedto fielding questions from strangers who wantto know more about his Honda Insight. He stillchuckles about one incident: “I was at a malland some people wanted to see the motor. Iopened the hood and a butterfly flew out,”Michael said. “They couldn’t believe it.”

While the “clean aspect” and new technol-ogy of his Insight were two characteristics thatattracted him to the car, the gas mileage was areal selling point. Commuting 100 miles a dayin a four-wheel drive truck, Michael estimates

100-Mile Commute Switched fromFour-Wheel Drive Truck to Hybrid Car

Michael Giguere – Harrison

Commuting 100miles a day in afour-wheel drivetruck, Michaelestimates hespent about$4,000 a year ongas before hebought hisInsight. With the61 mpg he getswith his hybrid,he’s saving atleast half of that.

he spent about $4,000 a year on gas before hebought his Insight. With the 61 mpg he getswith his hybrid, he’s saving at least half of that.

“The Honda has two bar graphs (on thecontrol board). As you give it gas, it reads‘assist’ and as you are going downhill, theenergy from the tires charges the battery and itreads, ‘charge,’” he explained. “It also shutsitself off when you’re stopped at a light. WhenI’m in other cars, I notice now when the brakesare applied or we’re waiting at a light and Ithink, ‘What a waste.’”

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Sanna Adams drives her Honda Insight about 1,000 miles amonth, averaging 60 miles per gallon. She bought the carbecause it is an “environmentally-friendly, good-lookingcar.” Sanna has two words of caution: First, “it is easy to geta big speeding ticket – I have.” Second, although the Insightis a “wonderful vehicle,”hauling your Airstreamtrailer with it, aspictured, is notrecommended.

Sanna Adams – Limington

– 20 –

”We just added five new Priuses to ourfleet of seven hybrids, making Maine astate leader in hybrid fleet ownership.Each year we are saving nearly 28 tonsof emissions and nearly $2,313 in

gasoline costs for the State. The State employees lovedriving them and want me to order more.”

Dwain McKenney – Maine Central Fleet Management

Maine State Fleet HasTwelve Hybrid Cars

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By supporting the Natural Resources Council, you can play a partin critical environmental issues facing Maine.

As a member, you will be kept up-to-date on these issues, through our website,www.maineenvironment.org, our newsletter, Maine Environment, and action alerts on

legislative issues. You may also take a more active part in raising your voice for theenvironment, by joining our e-mail based Environmental Network or

participating in workshops and other events.

Most importantly – you will have the satisfaction of knowing that youare doing your part to protect Maine’s environmental future.

You, too, can help make adifference for the environment!Support the Natural Resources Council of Maine

The Natural Resources Council of Maine is the leading voice for protecting Maine’senvironment. Supported by 8,000 citizens from across the state, we have been working

since 1959 to ensure clean air, clear water, and healthy forests for our future.

Letting people know about the value of hybridcars is just one part of our mission.

The Council also:• Developed a “clean car sticker” for car dealers

to help consumers identify new cars that arelow in emissions and high in gas mileage.

• Fought successfully for pollution reductionsfrom Maine’s largest air polluter, an oil-firedpower plant on the shores of Casco Bay,whose emissions travel up our coast, distress-ing those with asthma and other respiratoryailments, and causing smog over our scenicvistas.

• Led campaign to phase out products thatcontain mercury, a toxic chemical that harmsour children’s health and the health of ourloons, fish, and other wildlife.

• Spearheaded efforts to remove Edwards Damin Augusta, which has greatly improved thefisheries and water quality in the KennebecRiver.

• Won passage of the land bond referendumthat provided $50 million for the protection ofland and shorelines in all 16 counties of thestate.

Become a member today – and see how you can make adifference in Maine’s environmental future.

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Driving Hybrid Cars

Honda Civic Hybrid (2003)MPG(city/hwy) Price (MSRP)

Automatic 46/51 $20,5505-speed manual 48/47 $19,550

• 5 passenger sedan• First hybrid version of an established

car model • 40% better gas mileage than conven-

tional Civic Sedan

Toyota Prius (2002)MPG(city/hwy) Price (MSRP)

Automatic 52/45 $20,450

• 5 passenger sedan• First mass-produced hybrid in the world• Can reach speeds of up to 100 MPH• 0 to 60 in 14 seconds• Made of 90% recyclable materials

Honda Insight (2002)MPG(city/hwy) Price (MSRP)

Automatic 57/56 $21,2805-speed manual 61/68 $20,280

• Two Seater • First hybrid sold in the U.S. (introduced

2000 model year)• Light-weight aluminum body• Best gas mileage of the three hybrids

The introduction of Honda’s new 2003 Civic Hybrid expands U.S. consumers’hybrid-electric vehicle choices to three. Like the Toyota Prius and HondaInsight, the Civic Hybrid gets exceptional gas mileage (46 MPG city/51 MPGhighway). All three hybrids are environmentally friendly with among the bestratings for global warming and smog-forming emissions.

Current Hybrid Electric-GasolineVehicle Choices*

Three Gas-Saving, Low-Emission Choices

* As of May 2002; From the U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website – www.fueleconomy.gov

3 Wade Street,Augusta, Maine 04330-6351(207) 622-3101

N O N - P R O F I TU . S . P O S TA G E

P A I DBRUNSWICK, MEPERMIT NO. 65NATURAL

RESOURCESCOUNCIL OF MAINE

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