Ben Harper: Rocker, Hybrid Owner

It’s not a huge shock when we hear about a celebrity driving a hybrid, but musician Ben Harper takes things a bit further. Sure, he drives sedate hybrid family-haulers like a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and a 2006 Lexus RX 400h, but he also garages a 1964 Buick Riviera that is going to be converted to either an electric or biofuel-powered classic.

Harper, who has two children with actress Laura Dern, points to the need for a more fashionable hybrid family-hauler — something that speaks directly to men. Maybe a hybrid version of the Buick Enclave would fit the bill. Harper also admits he loved a recent test drive in the decidedly non-fuel-economy friendly Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG. “But that isn't the car for me now. I am into being environmentally aware and focused. I want to be responsible,” he said.

Rock Star Shows Opposing Taste in Cars (Forbes.com)

Comments

Good for Ben! I love his music. Didn't know he was married to Laura Dern.

I'm actually working with DriveCongress.com and we're urging people to support the bipartisan approach to fuel economy standards in the House of Representatives. Automakers are looking forward to implementing new technologies and raising fuel standards but we can't downplay the importance of jobs. Keeping that in mind, we must arrive at a commonsense solution.

If GM wants to get some good buzz, they should get there new Two-Mode hybrid in a custom built Enclave for him. Then offer it to the general public soon afterwards.

As awesome as his 64 Riviera must be, it has about 2000 lbs too much steel to make a decent electric car.

I'd like to see a hybrid Enclave. GM could use “With My Own Two Hands” or “Diamonds on The Inside” in their commercials. Although those songs may be about 30 years too recent for Buick buyers. Saturn buyers would probably go for it.