Autos Outside the Box

He had been using his own electric golf cart as a second car, but when Bush's 10/20 plan rolled around, Bridges saw what he had on his hands. He and his wife Sydney promptly started Mobile West.

There are 200 golf courses in surrounding Maricopa County, and too many golf carts for Bridges' tastes.

"Why sell golf carts when there's five million of them?" he queries. "I'm selling second cars."

Bridges' eyes tear on a bad pollution day in Phoenix. While he doesn't advocate boycotting the oil or sports car industry, he's all about cutting down consumption.

Taking his cue from coughing golfers, Bridges began selling environmentally friendly alternatives to that second or third "gas hog," as Bridges dubbed it. He even wants to get on a national committee with Senator McCain to promote his cars.

You'd think it'd be hard convincing business barons to cart around in a vehicle the size of a golf cart, but when the smog hits home, they listen. Bridges says his pro-electric clients usually lead alternative lifestyles in which electric is in and pollution-free golf greens are sexy.

Leading this trend is Virgin chairman Richard Branson, who announced -- perhaps a bit rashly -- that he will pay $25 million to the scientist who discovers how to extract greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

What's more, a federal mandate will make gas-powered golf carts illegal on courses in 2008, says Bridges. He is miles ahead with his alternative, which simultaneously dashes the idea of an uptight golfer.

"I like being different," says Arizona resident Beverly Lutes as she eyed an electric 6-seater limo. "Plus, there's lots of room for groceries." She plays golf five days a week and has four grocery stores within golf-cart reach.

People will always choose convenience, and for customers like Lutes, that's the appeal.

"People [want to] get rid of the gas and insurance bill," says Bridges. Insurance for Mobile West vehicles is only $50 a year.

For someone with grandchildren or living in a gated community, Bridges' car is the ideal. Plus, parking is a dream, especially when you can pop your car into a motorcycle spot instead of trekking a mile through a busy lot.

Despite their size, his vehicles get respect on the road, Bridges says -- as long as the speed markers say 45 mph and under. "Everyone gets out of my way when I'm driving," he says.

	Gas Guzzlers, Be Gone

While he's only been in business for nine months, Bridges is selling ad space on cars, creating billboards at convention centers on the East Coast and shipping to England and Canada. Two of his Escalades will be zipping around the Superbowl in 2008.

"The market is endless, from selling commercially to a driving billboard to a car for errands around town," Bridges points out.

The cars start at $9,000 and can go upward of $20,000.

"It's cutting edge -- people haven't gotten that yet," Bridges explains, but he's certain they'll all catch on very soon.

So whether you need more space for your new hotrod or are sick of spending on gas, look to some of these innovate, alternative solutions.

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