We've often referred to GWB as "the Dumber." And you all know what we think of Obama.
It won't surprise you to learn that they teamed up to kill off the passenger car.
...After 1985, the CAFE standards didn’t change for 25 years. But then in 2010, thanks to George W. Bush and Barack Obama, the mandate for cars started ramping up again, hitting 44.2 mpg in 2020. The one for “light trucks,” however, went up far more slowly.
As a result, while cars only had to be 17% more fuel efficient than “light trucks” in 2010, in 2025 they had to be 40% more efficient, according to data from the Department of Energy.
Not surprisingly, that’s when sales of SUVs started to overwhelm the market. (See the chart above.)
“If you could build a passenger vehicle that people wanted to buy, classify it as a light truck, and face a significantly lower regulatory burden while doing so, why would you build sedans?” writes Autoblog’s James Ochoa....
Buick and Chevy no longer offer cars. Ford offers the Mustang--for the time being. Chrysler will bring back the 300, after killing it off a couple years ago.
By the way, that change in offerings is deadly. See the linked article.
5 comments:
I had heard that there might be a cleanup of some of these ridiculous standards, even to the degree that we might be able to buy a Toyota HiLux -- somehow good enough to wage a hundred wars across the Middle East and Africa with no roads, but not to travel American highways. I would like one of these for... ah, reasons.
Ford is setting some sort of record on recalls - Translation, "Dont buy a ford"
https://www.motor1.com/news/789583/ford-2026-recalls-list-models-affected/
Yes Grim, I too would love to buy a $13,000 Pick me up truck - Greg
Link:
EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT TOYOTA'S $13,000 PICKUP TRUCK
Read More:
https://www.slashgear.com/1866075/toyota-hilux-champ-13000-dollar-pickup-truck-details/
The rapid growth in popularity during this period was driven by these key factors.
The "Light Truck" Loophole: Under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, SUVs and trucks were subjected to lower fuel efficiency requirements than traditional passenger cars. Automakers capitalized on this by building SUVs on truck chassis, which yielded higher profit margins and allowed them to avoid hefty fines.
Aggressive Marketing: Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, automakers spent billions of dollars on marketing campaigns. They successfully positioned SUVs as status symbols and aspirational vehicles, convincing consumers that they required the extra size to haul families or enjoy an adventurous, outdoor lifestyle.
Shift to Crossovers: In the mid-to-late 2000s, manufacturers shifted focus to unibody crossover SUVs (like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V). These vehicles retained the high seating and cargo space of traditional SUVs but offered car-like handling, increased fuel efficiency, and better affordability.
The Minivan Stigma: Families actively sought out SUVs because minivans had developed a "dreaded stigma" of being uncool. The SUV became the socially accepted and stylish choice for carpool and suburban living.
I drive a 2013 Honda Fit. Standard Transmission. 35MPG Gas milage. When the price gas was high it was uncool.
In the last few months of the Israel first wars i'm laughing at them because I have a four seater that sips gas.
coolness is a factor.
Post a Comment