Even the experts interviewed on NPR yesterday brought up the fact that these new standards *will* raise car prices if we don’t compromise safety. I had to chuckle at the “advanced” technology offered up for our eco-salvation: Turbochargers! So we’re going back to what, the late 80’s? Since only a small amount of R&D funds are going to be spent on this off-the-shelf “technology”, it would appear the auto manufacturers stand to make some money off this. I would have expected a lot more pushback from the auto manufacturers had Obama’s standards required truly new technology or a radical departure from current designs.
.....I would have expected a lot more pushback from the auto manufacturers had Obama’s standards required truly new technology or a radical departure from current designs.....
The question was what will contractors do. The answer was given and it is obvious that will not be a problem The average permits vehicles at the lower millage end.
I think the manufacturers did not push back because thay know the standards can and will be delayed. also, they have and continue to make improvements. Ford and Chevy make the trucks and vans and they are far behind the Germans and Japanese in making fuel efficient trucks.
My van is bigger and at least 25% more fuel efficient than the Ford/Chevy counterparts.
It is interesting that rather than incorporate Mercedes technology into trucks, Dodge used American diesel engines that don’t begin to measure up to the German products. They had a chance and blew it.