THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2008

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Village To Buy 4 Hybrid Vehicles, But Skeptics Remain

The Arlington Heights Village Board approved the purchase of four hybrid cars and several large trucks at their Monday, Aug. 18 meeting.

The vote to approve the $85,180 purchase of the four hybrid cars from Arlington Toyota of Buffalo Grove through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative was 5 to 3.

Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder, who supported the purchase, said some trustees were concerned that the technology was not tested and were also concerned that the resale value and longevity of the cars was not known, as the technology was so new.

The cars also cost a few thousand dollars more apiece than equivalent traditional vehicles.

Mulder said the savings would be made up in increased fuel efficiency. She said the cars got just under 50 miles to the gallon and, unlike traditional vehicles, had better fuel economy when idling in stop and go traffic than on the highways. She expects to save $600 in gas per car per year with the new hybrids. Village inspectors will use the cars and all driving will be done within village limits. The hybrids replace cars being replaced as part of the normal schedule of replacement.

IThe village will also buy four, two and a half ton dump trucks at a total cost of $553,608 from Prairie International Trucks of Springfield Illinois and two one ton dump trucks from Landmark Ford in Springfield at a total cost of $99,960.