WASHINGTON, D.C. — Webasto Product North America wants to see a greener continent, but says there are too many roadblocks currently in the way.

So, the manufacturer headed to Capitol Hill on April 24 for some congressional office visits and a technology demonstration near the Capitol building.

Webasto believes that in order to gain critical mass with these technologies, roadblocks need to be removed and awareness needs to increase. Some of these efforts include implementing a uniform national idling standard, tax credits and low interest loans.

Webasto used its BlueCool truck equipped with the latest idle reduction technology to show members of Congress first hand how idle reduction can have an immediate positive impact.

Webasto hopes its BlueCool Truck made an
impression on U.S. lawmakers.

“Webasto has been producing innovative idle reduction technologies for more than 70 years and our company is proud to have been green before it was cool to be green,” said John Thomas, general manager of Commercial Vehicle Business Development and Head of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs. “Our technologies are not only an environmental success, but they find that delicate balance between environmental policy, industry affordability and rapid return on investment.”

Over the coming years, Webasto estimates government and industry will spend billions, even trillions, to forge a path to cleaner and more efficient technology. Among these technologies are electric, hybrid, fuel cell, hydraulic, hydrogen, alternative fuels, and they all bring promise and opportunity for the future.

Webasto representatives met with members of Congress from April 28 – 30 to discuss how well this technology fits into energy legislation now being crafted in the House and the Senate.