In the midst of the gravest economic recession since World War II it is comforting to learn that one product is enjoying a boom in Italy: sales of the “auto blu” , the dark blue official cars used by politicians and other State VIPs, have been increasing steadily since 2007 and now the number of auto blu in use is estimated at 620, 120, according to a survey by the Associazione Contribuenti.
Clearly, Italy’s VIPs do not go in for car-sharing.
Civil Service Minister Renato Brunetta, however, is not convinced by this estimate and has ordered an official survey. He also wants politicians to consider various schemes to reduce the effect of their official car usage on the environment.
In 2007 Italy was using more official cars than any other country in the world, with the United States and France in second and third places.
Do you car-share?
