It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world -- or it will be in January, in Africa:

Zero Rally Africa, a carbon neutral car rally to be staged between Victoria Falls and Cape Town in January 2009 [is being held] to publicise renewable energy and draw further attention to climate chnage while crossing the continent which will be worst affected by global warming.

It is open to solar, electric, hybrid, biofuel and hydren vehicles.

Over twenty teams from the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, Switzerland, India, New Zealand and Australia want to take part so far. It will be a dramatic demonstration of the viability and practicality of these vehicles in an even more dramatic setting.

Is this the first carbon neutral road race ever? In any case, I kind of like how the organizers are turning something so laden with an enviro-guilt burden -- burning gas for no other reason than the thrill of the race! -- into a rallying (hah) cry for taking better care of the climate.

Hi!
I remember placing a new concept car on my website in 1995, just for the sake of having something different to show the world. It was the Toyota Prius and it was only a dream at that point.
The Japanese were not sure if they would produce the car or not but they took the chance and a year later they built a limited amount for their home market.
A few years later and with some market success, the Hybrid Toyota Prius is now known World wide for it's ability to cut exhaust pollution.
A few months from now, in 2008, the Hybrid Prius will be the only car Toyota produces for World Wide consumption.
I am proud to have done a little bit to help kick start the process and prouder still that today, alternative vehicles are being created and tested all around the world, by stubborn and wonderfully creative people.

Posted by: Joseph Raglione on November 2, 2007 6:14 PM

Hi!
I remember placing a new concept car on my website in 1995, just for the sake of having something different to show the world. It was the Toyota Prius and it was only a dream at that point.
The Japanese were not sure if they would produce the car or not but they took the chance and a year later they built a limited amount for their home market.
A few years later and with some market success, the Hybrid Toyota Prius is now known World wide for it's ability to cut exhaust pollution.
A few months from now, in 2008, the Hybrid Prius will be the only car Toyota produces for World Wide consumption.
I am proud to have done a little bit to help kick start the process and prouder still that today, alternative vehicles are being created and tested all around the world, by stubborn and wonderfully creative people.

Posted by: Joseph Raglione on November 2, 2007 6:15 PM

Hi!
I remember placing a new concept car on my website in 1995, just for the sake of having something different to show the world. It was the Toyota Prius and it was only a dream at that point.
The Japanese were not sure if they would produce the car or not but they took the chance and a year later they built a limited amount for their home market.
A few years later and with some market success, the Hybrid Toyota Prius is now known World wide for it's ability to cut exhaust pollution.
A few months from now, in 2008, the Hybrid Prius will be the only car Toyota produces for World Wide consumption.
I am proud to have done a little bit to help kick start the process and prouder still that today, alternative vehicles are being created and tested all around the world, by stubborn and wonderfully creative people.

Posted by: Joseph Raglione on November 2, 2007 6:16 PM