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Little Shop of Hybrids: Green Mechanic Opens

San Francisco garage first devoted to hybrids-only service

By Zach Samalin,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 13, 2007 5:30 PM CDT
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(Newser) – While auto mechanics nationwide now service hybrid vehicles, San Francisco's Luscious Garage is the country's first shop to work exclusively on environment-friendly cars. "There's a critical mass of hybrids in the Bay Area," owner Carolyn Coquilette told Wired, which reports that nearly 10% of new hybrids registered in 2006 were to owners in and around San Francisco.

Like the cars it services, the shop itself has gone green, relying primarily on natural light, recycling scrap metal and using local suppliers and re-refined oil. "I look at this as a natural extension of the industry," says Coquilette, who usually rides her bike to work. "It's only natural that eventually someone would … focus solely on the hybrid."

Owner Carolyn Coquillette proudly hangs the sign for Luscious Garage, a repair shop specializing in the maintenance of Hybrid vehicles.
Owner Carolyn Coquillette proudly hangs the sign for Luscious Garage, a repair shop specializing in the maintenance of Hybrid vehicles.   ( lusciousgarage.com)
Calcars founder Felix Kramer poses with Luscious Garage's Carolyn Coquillette. Calcars is a non-profit with a similar mission of making environmentally aware transportation a natural part of daily life.
Calcars founder Felix Kramer poses with Luscious Garage's Carolyn Coquillette. Calcars is a non-profit with a similar mission of making environmentally aware transportation a natural part of daily life.   ( lusciousgarage.com)
San Francisco has been progressive in its adaptation to hybrid vehicles, including incorporating hybrid SUVs into their Yellow Cab fleet.
San Francisco has been progressive in its adaptation to hybrid vehicles, including incorporating hybrid SUVs into their Yellow Cab fleet.   (Getty Images)
Luscious Garage makes its voice heard with this promotional poster introducing its mission statement.
Luscious Garage makes its voice heard with this promotional poster introducing its mission statement.   ( lusciousgarage.com)
Mechanic and owner Carolyn Coquillette takes a look under the hood. Only recently, she says, has the number of local hybrids reached the critical mass necessary to maintain her specialty business.
Mechanic and owner Carolyn Coquillette takes a look under the hood. Only recently, she says, has the number of local hybrids reached the "critical mass" necessary to maintain her specialty business.   ( lusciousgarage.com)
Owner Carolyn Coquillette, right, and Tami Prochorchik pose with the sign for the recently opened Luscious Garage, a San Francisco based auto-repair shop that specializes in hybrid vehicles.
Owner Carolyn Coquillette, right, and Tami Prochorchik pose with the sign for the recently opened Luscious Garage, a San Francisco based auto-repair shop that specializes in hybrid vehicles.   ( lusciousgarage.com)
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Luscious Garage's official site
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sustainable living • San Francisco • environmentalism • auto industry • hybrid car • cars

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