Source: WNYC-Radio 820 AM
Publication Date: February 27, 2008
The city's ten thousand chauffer-driven black cars are going green.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg unveiled new fuel efficiency standards that will require the fleet to double its fuel efficiency, from 15 miles to the gallon, to 30.
Marcia Bystryn with the New York League of Conservation Voters notes many black cars idle for minutes, waiting for their clients so converting them to hybrids will improve the city's air quality.

BYSTRYN: "Under the fuel efficiency standards emissions from black cars will be cut in half. Hybrids switch to battery power during idling. Emissions of both carbon dioxin and other pollutants will be reduced more."

REPORTER: The new standards were reached in consultation with the black car industry. To help owners handle hybrids' higher price tags, several financial firms are offering to arrange low-cost financing.