Romania's designated PM wants to replace classic work car with hybrid one

Although yet to receive the Parliament vote to be named Prime Minister, the designated PM Victor Ponta said he intends to enforce a ruling for public institutions to buy only non-polluting cars.

“Public institutions cause a great deal of pollution in the capital city,"' said Ponta. He has already asked to use a hybrid car during his mandate, the same kind he currently drives. Ponta has been driving a hybrid Toyota Prius since last year. The car was bought by his party, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), though a leasing contract. If his wish becomes a reality and public institutions buy hybrid cars, producers might get the sales boost they were hoping for, and more Romanians who can afford it could also be inspired to buy ecological cars, instead of the normal petrol or diesel vehicles. However, ecological cars are more expensive, and this could lead to higher expenses for public institutions, during a period of austerity. A Toyota Prius sells for over EUR 25,000. “I don't want to move around in one of the typical cars, I would like it to be a hybrid car, the least polluting. I hope my request will be approved and that we will use hybrid car starting next Tuesday,” said Ponta. The Prime Minister is entitled to a work car and a driver provided by the Protection and Guard Service. editor@romania-insider.com