Talking About Green

Whether you have seen hybrid, electric, or otherwise fuel-efficient vehicles in your hometown, the fact that green cars are on the rise is apparent. After the bailout of the “big three” in the United States (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) during the recession, it makes sense that the nation is seeing a change in the types of vehicles on the road. As our nation begins to return to a more stable economy, consumer interests have tipped the balances in favor of green cars, which naturally creates more jobs in the industry to produce these vehicles.

The economic decline resulted in the closure of several plants, which affected countless people nationwide. Parts production, for example, is an area where many people lost jobs during the recession. In July of 2010, the Cable News Network (CNN) stated that approximately 300,000 manufacturing careers in the auto industry were eliminated because of the permanent closure of numerous plants. With hundreds of thousands of workers unemployed, many of whom retained only car production as their major skill, the need for new jobs was greater than ever.

Luckily, the auto industry would soon see an increase in consumer interest for purchasing green vehicles. In February of 2011 a USA Today/Gallup Poll predicted that approximately sixty percent of consumers affirmed that they would shop for a gas-electric hybrid when they find it is time to buy a new vehicle. The rise in consumer preference for fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles is clear, which means it is only a matter of time before careers in the auto industry become more commonly available again.

Jobs in the production of green vehicles are not the only ones seeing an increase in numbers. Already the US Department of Energy (DOE) is awarding billions of dollars in grant money to front-runners of the green vehicle industry. According to the US DOE website, several projects in fuel efficient vehicle production and promotion including the switch of school busses from diesel to hybrid, the implementation of fuel frameworks for hybrid and electric-hybrid vehicles, and installment of alternative fuel stations are currently underway all across the nation. With these changes being made in areas like Kentucky, Indiana, the Carolinas, California, and much of the Midwest, it seems likely that the rest of the country will follow suit.

With adequate and responsible financial backing, consumer need, and an industry that’s been aching for a change for decades, the return of many workers to the auto industry appears to be a sure thing. As members of the auto industry pick themselves up and get back on the horse, the likelihood that many will change gears in order to meet consumer needs is high. From the people who design new green vehicles, to those who build them, to those who make their fuel infrastructure possible, there is sure to be plenty of jobs created in the production of green vehicles. With these careers we not only see a decline in the countless number of unemployed citizens, but we contribute to a cleaner and more environmentally sound future.

Sarah Danielson writes for car insurance comparison where you can find cheap car insurance rates that will suit your needs.