Speaking on behalf of floppy-haired environmentalists everywhere, angst man Morrissey urged General Motors to offer vegan-friendly versions of its hybrid and electric vehicles on Monday.
Photo: AP
“I’m writing to ask GM to make Chevy’s Volt and Bolt more eco-friendly by giving buyers the option to choose vegan leather interiors — including steering wheels and gear shifts,” wrote the bendy Briton in an open letter addressed to CEO Mary Barra. “GM is named in PETA’s brand-new investigation of cattle ranches, on which animals are branded on the face, electro-shocked, and beaten before they’re slaughtered and used to make leather interiors.”
In his letter, Morrissey presented vegan vehicles as a business opportunity for GM, potentially attracting both animal-friendly and environmentally-minded car buyers.
“More and more people are opting for vegan leather for the sake of both cows and the environment,” wrote Morrissey. “Given that the Volt and Bolt are being marketed to eco-conscious buyers, entirely vegan options would only broaden their appeal.”
Currently, only a few car manufacturers offer electric vehicles that don’t use leather upholstery. Earlier this year, animal rights advocates lauded Tesla for offering a version of its Model X SUV with a fully vegan interior, later revealed to be the personal preference of CEO Elon Musk.
“Can’t emphasise enough that white [vegan leather] is the best interior,” wrote Musk on Twitter. “Highly recommend.”