Could a shift in green thinking from world-wide automakers simply be a little window-dressing? Chrysler's Chief Economist, Van Jolissaint, answered this slightly by describing climate change as something "way, way in the future and with a degree of uncertainty."

Mr. Jolissaint was speaking at a private breakfast where the chief economists of the "Big Three" US car firms presented their forecasts for auto industry sales this year. He also criticized the recent Stern Report on Climate Change, commissioned by the UK, which called for urgent action on the issue. His remarks come in stark contrast to the 'green' image presented by GM this year at the Detroit Auto Show.

The chief economist said that he had been spending more time in the UK recently because he was concerned about how much more alarmist Europeans are than Americans over climate age. Does this mean Mr. Jolissaint is overseas to downplay the issue? Adding more fuel to the fire, Chrysler argued that demand for larger, gas-guzzling cars will recover in 2007 as oil prices remain low.

Hmm…while some car companies seems to understand that there is a need for green automobiles, Chrysler is back-pedaling on the issue. Is 'going green' simply another marketing tool or a true paradigm shift for the auto industry? What will it take for fewer question marks to accompany global warming on economic reports?

Source: Chrysler Questions Climate Change