PLP, MP Glenn Smith Comment On Electric Cars
Shadow Transport Minister Lawrence Scott asked if there are plans in place to rent cars to visitors, following news that Auto Solutions — which is owned by OBA MP Glenn Smith — imported three electric cars.
The cars were highlighted in a newspaper article last week, and Mr. Scott first brought up the matter in the House of Assembly last Friday, which resulted in lively exchange.
Government MPs interrupted the Shadow Minister with multiple Point of Orders, and Speaker of the House Randy Horton objected and asked Mr. Scott to take his seat after he said, “My conclusion is there is something fishy going on here.”
In a statement issued last night, Mr. Scott said, “The Progressive Labour Party, like many Bermudians is concerned about conversations regarding providing rental cars for tourists in Bermuda.
“We believe that any decision on this must be made with a focus on benefiting the majority and not a select few. That’s why comments by OBA Backbencher and owner of Auto Solutions Ltd Mr. Glenn Smith MP that ‘We believe the e2o would make the ideal tourist rental vehicle,’ in reference to a new vehicle brought in by his company for purchase in Bermuda, and Minister of Tourism & Transport, the Hon. Shawn Crockwell referring to possibly business opportunities for providing rental cars to tourists, are so troubling.”
The Mahindra e2o:
“Do the two statements by the political colleagues have any connection? In their apparent haste to push this forward the OBA is ignoring the fact that, Bermuda is already struggling with traffic congestion problems. More vehicles on the road would only exacerbate this issue.
“The Minister and OBA Backbencher are seemingly also ignoring the fact that in this current environment, many taxi drivers are struggling with making consistent incomes week to week. We believe that offering rental cars to tourists would do irreparable harm to these taxi drivers’ livelihoods.
‘In addition, our bus and ferry service would likely see reduced revenues from our visitors. We ask that the Ministry of Tourism & Transport confirm or deny to the public if there are any plans in place to offer a rental car service to tourists,” concluded Mr. Scott.
Auto Solutions brought in three Mahindra e2o electric cars [pictured] recently, and one of the $24,995 cars has sold already, with two presently remaining.
Speaking with Mr. Smith, he explained that Auto Solutions specifically brought the cars in to sell as they are another option for residents and are extremely economical to run, costing around $30 a month or so.
He said he was asked by a reporter if the cars would make good rental vehicles for visitors, so said yes, as he does feel they would if the legislation ever came into place, but stressed they were actually brought in to be sold.
Mr. Smith also said that there is not any form of exclusive deal in place and it’s an open market, so other businesses can also bring in cars to sell, and Auto Solutions goal in bringing in the cars was to offer additional choices to residents.
Launched in March 2013, the Mahindra e2o is a two-door, four-seater car which, according to their website, is “powered by next generation maintenance free Lithium ion batteries, which once charge enable you to travel for 100 kms with a top speed of 80 kmph.”
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Young lawrence scott & his fellow plp member need to sit down & stop creating mass panic. All the plp do is jumps to conclusions & assumptions….
Also the plp are Hypocrites about six years ago they allowed a certian member insider import Lexus 300 to be used as limos, before any law was in place to make it legal to import the lexus & use it as a limo. So the should look in their own history first before accusing others.
Friends and Family
So, a reporter asked as an aside in an interview
From article:
“He said he was asked by a reporter if the cars would make good rental vehicles for visitors, so said yes, as he does feel they would if the legislation ever came into place, but stressed they were actually brought in to be sold”
PLP clutching at straws and causing disruption with speculative nonsense AGAIN.
Wasting Governments time in the house, in order for less to get done seems to be their MO. Holding Bermuda back are the PLP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saying stupid things, appears to come easy to you!!! Do you along with your waste of time plp think bringing in 3 electric cars for sale, some how now in your shallow minds makes him a provider or going into the business of renting cars in Bermuda???? The only thing that never surprises me with you, is the fact that your levels of stupidity can never be topped!!!
Listen, as a greenrock supporter, I’m surprised at them for not speaking out on issues now that the OBA is in power. We have not heard from Mr. Hayward much, only a photo op for casino gaming?
We do not need more traffic on the road,our tourist needs to use public transportation, one of the best in the world and taxi services. Don’t continue to whitewash to make green-dough and not just be GREEN when its political expedient. SMFH
Hilarious. Our public transportation system is “one of the best in the world”? Where you have you been? One of life’s adventures in Bermuda is waking up and finding out whether they’re on strike today. And if they are, how much chaos is there at the cruise ship terminal.
Thanks young bright intelligent MP Scott for bringing this is issue to light. it is clear that you are most impressive and seek to highlight important issues that impact Bermuda.
The people of Bermuda are very intelligent and can see the intention of Mr. Smith in regards to this matter. NO one brings in a car without a long term investment plan. It was clear there is a plan by Mr Smith and company. Because the Oba has more than enough votes and they are therefore confident that such a bill can be approved to rent cars to tourist. YES talks have taken place prior as this matter has been mention before.
This seems to give Mr Smith a step up on the deal as he has inside knowledge on the matter. This looks more like part of unfair practice on behalf of the Oba. Lets stop defending the acts of a government if they are indeed wrong just because you support a particular party. We voted for change in the way political matters arer done so lets hold the government accountable.
“NO one brings in a car without a long term investment plan.”
Um, which is why they were brought in for sale to residents. When asked by a reporter Mr. Smith said that if in the future the Government considered legislation permitting tourists to rent cars this could be a potential option.
How you’ve jumped to the conclusion that he would be the sole dealer is ridiculous. Have you noticed the number of cycle rental companies on island? No one has monopoly so why would cars be any different?
This is just another example of the PLP polluting airtime for political gain.
PLP – Party before country since 1998, one unemployed voter at a time.
How much are the cars retailing for?
Not too sure I agree with tourists renting cars in our already congested island and from what I understand it appears that these demands originated from a potential hotel purchaser/developer who requested this concession from the Government.
But the PLP are grasping straws once again as anyone is able to import such cars for the market to sell. Now if it was deemed only one auto dealership that is able to do so then the PLP has a point. But this is capitalism and anyone that wants to compete is able no matter your political persuasion.
Lastly, the most ironic thing about Mr. Lawrence’s statement is his false concerns about the struggling taxi industry. When the Government, late last year, announced a 25% fare increase this is what Mr. Lawrence had to say:
“Bermudians simply cannot afford yet another OBA driven increase in the cost of, what for many of us, is an essential service.”
“Furthermore, this increase will act as a disincentive for many consumers and will inevitably drive down the demand for taxis from both locals and visitors alike. The OBA promised that they would implement policies that would lead to job creation, contain inflation and price increases while stimulating the economy.”
So now a few months later the same Shadow Minister is feigning concern about the same industry that in which he opposed a fare increase just a fewe months ago. On top of that he actually stated that he believes that the taxi industry is an ‘essential service’ while he and his cohorts argue vehemently that public transportation services should never be considered an ‘essential service.’ How ironic and well…hypocritical.
Mr. Lawrence you are an official politician now. And that isn’t meant to be a compliment either.
You are right that this is capitalism, but MP Smith may vote on the potential law (if there is a bill coming) and therefore has an “inside track” and can influence passing of the law. He has already purchased vehicles and set up channels to hit the ground running. If anything it is unethical, especially when it comes to other dealerships that do not have the inside knowledge and direct influence.
Still you don’t get it…THE PLP ARE PLAYING YOU
Fact Checker’s consistent, balanced and informed remarks are a benefit to us all. Shame the PLP don’t employ the same amount of research and resources before consistently putting their hypocritical foot in mouth for political sound bites instead of progress.
Keep up the good work. Your comments are always spot on. Thank you.
Meanwhile, in other news, Opposition Senator Chicken Little has reported the sky is falling. Senator Little was quoted as saying ‘Bermuda and it’s citizens are already struggling with not enough sky. Any loss of sky would only exacerbate the aerial deficiency situation.’.
‘In addition, we would ask the Ministry of All Things Silly to confirm or deny there are plans already in place to offer tourists access to the Bermuda sky – which is already a depleted resource.’.
Spokespersons for MATS were unavailable for comment.
The taxi drivers may feel a little pinch but the boost to all of tourism will help us all!
I say open the flood gates…any feature, gimmick, amenity that will encourage vacation and business visitors to spend money…as industry changes, we have to change with it…the old way of thinking is just that ….OLD
Farmer Giles you forgot to mention that too many expats are already looking at our sky – and thats without tourists. The sky should be reserved for Bermudians only and anything less is simply unacceptable.
In addition, I fail to see why these cars are any more perfect for tourists than the good old Chevy Spark or Smart car.
At least with those cars you can gas up. Where will tourists plug these things in? The hotel parking lot?
Too many expats? Boo freaking hoo. This place would sink without expat dollars. If expats and IB boycotted eating or drinking in our restaurants for just 1 week you would see just how much we need them here. Now go cry in the corner because you think some mean old expat took your job. STFU
You clearly don’t understand the simplest forms of comedy.
For your reference: It is probably not possible to reserve the sky for Bermudians only.
The PLP would have done it already.
Chris Famous disagrees with you. He wants more expats paying high rents to landlords. At least that’s what he was saying this morning; his story will probably change tomorrow.
Careful…something might happen to move us forward.
PLP, stop begrudging good ideas and initiative. I know of many potential visitors who stay away because they cannot rent a car – especially well-to-do families. If we are to offer a good tourist experience, we have to rationally examine all the possibilities rather than keep looking over our shoulders fearful that the next guy might actually get ahead.
Gotham you are correct. Not renting cars is yet one more way that Bermuda does not compete. The bleeding hearts who say it will be inconvenient for them need to man up. Do we actually want tourists or not? I mean why don’t you insist that tourists not be allowed here at all because they might take up room walking down the street?
To the fools who say it will be dangerous having tourists drive cars I ask this. More dangerous than making tourists ride motorbikes?
Get with it Bermuda, the world is leaving you behind and you seem to be too blind to see it.
The hilarious thing is that not too long ago some locals complained that they couldn’t catch their normal bus during the summer due to all these damned tourists on the island!
all they know how to do, b****, moan, and complain, then say we proposed that ( but usually didn,t follow through )
Well done MP Scott. Have to old these guys accountable.
However, MP Smith may be denying it currently, but he was also the author of an opinion column which stated that the OBA is known to contradict itself, and they make no apologies for that.
no more than the plp/biu. Still can’t own up to the facs can they.
Reduce need for bus and ferry? Surely you jest after all they are a “non-essential service”
There have been electric vehicles in Bermuda for years, however non of the importers have had inside access to the press like Glenn Smith, Alan Burland, and the crew.
Ain’t that the truth?
So a reporter asked as an aside in an interview
From above
“He said he was asked by a reporter if the cars would make good rental vehicles for visitors, so said yes, as he does feel they would if the legislation ever came into place, but stressed they were actually brought in to be sold”
PLP clutching at straws and causing disruption with speculative nonsense AGAIN.
Wasting Governments time in order for less to get done seems to be their MO. Holding Bermuda back are the PLP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think we all might think the sky is falling as we traverse Harbour Road at 5:30pm only to find a mile long tailback as a couple of tourists in rental cars decided to pull over for a photo op. regardless of politics and questionable relationships I think it may be the single most road safety and ease of flow and parking problem we have ever faced, stupid idea and all the PLP would have to say in the next election would be we can get you home in one hour instead of three by removing rental cars!…
A reporter asked him whether or not these would be suitable for tourist rentals. He replied they could be but noted the ones that he has imported are for sale only with one already being sold. This ‘article’ would have you believe that Smith called a press conference to promote his new product for rental purposes as opposed to him simply answering a reporter’s question.
Come on Scottie you are better than this political nonsense.
What I want to see is the Government eliminate the previous Government’s change in policy which allowed these oversized construction trucks from ‘certain firms’ to operate at the detriment to the independent truckers. What is Mr. Scott’s feeling on this matter since such a policy enriches the large construction firms while hurting the smaller entrepreneur?
Lets take off our political hats and think a little more objectively. No one brings in a car with out thinking of a long term plan and investment. Mr Smith has done just that and clearly he has an objective. As a result you can work hard to excuse his actions but the truth is stirring many right in the face.
Mr Lawrence is correct on his call and it seems like OBA are working hard to dismiss it. If not why not answer the Questions on the floor of the house.
just put the railway trail together end to end and restrict use of rental cars to that passageway
Wonderful, use the railway trail wherever possible. So, what happens if they want to go to Dockyard? What happens if they want to go to St Georges? What happens if they want to go to the beaches? How do they get around all of the areas where there used to be bridges? How are they supposed to get to the cars if the hotels are not next to the railway trail.
Nonsense idea. Totally unfeasable.
more Bollocks from the defunct and failed plp.
I think the whole of the island should go electric. Why not – so many options out there now. Or at least hybrid. I know slightly off topic but it would be lovely for our environment. A girl can dream
I’m guilty of petrol use as well.
BELCO can’t keep up with the current demand forget it!
Gee Mr Scott nice to see your concern for the taxi drivers. How about poor Premier Cannonier who will not be able to sell gas to our thousands of tourists riding around in electric cars
U ppl r so funny your hate for the PLP is blinding u from what is stirring u in the face it really is sad who really is drinking the koolaid lol
politicians who use political office and insider information on decisions that private sector persons who are seeking the same opportunity to secure, in order to enhance their own business, is known as corruption in other parts of the world.