Re: “We are being marketed to death,” column, July 19.
Trevor Hancock equates automobiles to tobacco, and advocates that their use should be restricted. While it is agreed that the combustion engine emits pollution, a modern car is extremely clean-burning.
Electric-car sales are very low, as, for most people, it is restricted to a second vehicle, due to range limits and the requirement to charge with a 220-volt station in a garage or parking space. When electric cars can be recharged in 10 to 15 minutes and have a range of 300 to 400 kilometres with reasonable prices, sales will increase.
Another technology is hydrogen fuel cells, which might overtake electric.
The philosophy of the left is to restrict movement of the masses. This was common throughout eastern Europe, the Soviet Union and China, where only the elite had cars. This kept the population under control.
The automobile gave mobility to the people and allowed the growth of cities — for good or bad. It replaced the manual labour of the farm and helped establish good-paying jobs in the urban areas.
If you don’t live in the urban core, a private automobile is the only option for most people. It allows families to pick up children, enjoy recreation and shop for more than you can carry. You can go where you want when you want.
The marketing industry might often be annoying, but you don’t have to buy what they are selling. Do a bit of research and make up your own mind.
Barry Lurges
Colwood
