It is a combination...as you mentioned “CAFE” fuel economy standards have added to repair cost (aluminum panels, etc.) and CAFE stds. have caused plastic headlights that cloud up (glass is too heavy), plastic bumpers, lightweight brake rotors that cannot be “turned” more than maybe once (have to buy new), etc....but “ADAS” type systems have also caused a massive increase in initial new car/truck cost. Starting with things like government mandated back-up cameras....more in this list:
- Model year 2011. The NHTSA recommended FCW, lane-departure warning and electronic stability control (ESC) for points in NCAP ratings. ESC became a mandate for model year 2012.
- Model years 2014–2017. The NHTSA recommended rear backup video for NCAP ratings. It became a mandate in model year 2018.
- November 2015. The NHTSA recommended AEB for NCAP ratings.
- December 2015. The NHTSA released a key report with extensive information on AEB, FCW and blind-spot detection. This type of report is called a request for comments (RFC), and it is used when the NHTSA wants feedback from the auto industry.
- The NHTSA made a voluntary agreement with most auto OEMs to include AEB in all light vehicles sold by 2022.
- Spring 2021. The NHTSA announced its intention to make AEB a mandate as an FMVSS.
- March 2022. The NHTSA released its most important RFC, with extensive information and future plans on ADAS technology. The RFC had 236 pages and included a 10-year roadmap for ADAS, NCAP and future rating systems.
- May 2023. The first result of the 2022 RFC was announced with a mandate for FCW, AEB and PAEB.
Now Biden/Pete “Buttiejudge” want mandated ADAS drunk driving attention detection tech with a “kill switch”.
So the government mandated systems add thousands to the price of new vehicles and add thousands to the price to repair them. In addition to the CAFE standards costs.
“The nine most terrifying words in the English language are “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’” —President Ronald Reagan
The only thing of use is probably the back up camera. If you’re in a smallish vehicle, and you have a large SUV on one side and a minivan on the other you can at least somewhat see when trying to back out.
As far as the rest of the nanny BS like auto braking, blind spot monitoring, lane assist, etc, etc wouldn’t be needed if 1.) They had better drivers ED requirements. 2.) Disable data features on phones while a vehicle is in motion so drivers can’t watch YouTube, post to Facebook, check emails, and text while they’re driving down the road.
3.) Better enforcement of driving laws.