Hybrid Faire leads students to a greener future

In an effort to raise student awareness for the benefits of driving a hybrid car, the Events Commission held the annual Hybrid Faire in the quad on April 30. Head Commissioner Hayes Hyde, who organized the event last ear, worked with the rest of the Events Commission to bring the Hybrid Faire back for its second year. The Faire shows how students can maintain the environment’s health while also saving money on gas.

The lunchtime presentation included the hybrid cars Toyota Prius and Chevy Tahoe. One of the salesmen who moderated the demo was Dich Tran from Toyota. Tran allowed students to tour the inside of
the cars while he explained the functions and design of the Prius.

After the lunchtime presentation, another meeting, this time for parents, was held from 6-8 p.m. in the quad. Parents trickled into the quad and closely examined the cars, even sitting in the cars alongside Tran, who assisted the parents with their questions. Junior Aneesha Sharma said her parents expressed some desire to purchase a hybrid car.

“I think people need to be more conscious about their environment,” said Sharma. “The first step to do that is by buying something like a hybrid car.”

Tran said he has not yet received any calls for the purchase of a car. According to Tran, Toyota usually does not expect to sell any cars in demo events such as this one. Due to the high interest level of the
visitors, however, he predicts that he will sell two to three cars.

“We believed that a [Prius] is a very good commute car not only for families and students, but for everyone,” said Tran. “If everyone of us started to drive a hybrid, we would save a lot of gasoline and [therefore have] less pollution for the air.”

Tran said he hoped events like this one will open young people’s eyes to ways they can make a difference in the environment and others’ lives.

“People should express concern for the environment and care for the next generation,” said Tran. “We brought the cars here to expose the future of the automobile.”