Mandating that SUVs get 35 MPG will simply cause the auto manufacturers to make smaller SUVs and force those who want a "good old fashioned and safe" real SUV to buy the next vehicle in line that is exempt from the regulations. That is exactly how the SUV became popular and this time it will lead to more people buying very fancy and large Pickup Trucks with a back seat, a small bed that has a very fancy cover that you never take off with access from the cabin. They will give them a nifty name that will infer dual use (haul those heavy loads but give your family a safe, comfortable ride) and they will sell like hotcakes.
Mandating that SUVs get 35 MPG will simply cause the auto manufacturers to make smaller SUVs
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The auto manufacturers have been playing games with the CAFE standards for years ,,, why do you think Chrysler makes the PT Cruiser and Chevy the HHR ,, they are a Neon and a Cobalt with different bodywork but they are classified as trucks , same as that C2500 is...
35mpg isn’t out of the realm of the possible... Land Rovers Discovery gets 30+ mpg in europe with a 3.0L turbodiesel and you can say the same about the ISUZU Trooper with diesel engine (sold everywhere outside the US)...
US manufacturers are FINALLY getting on the direct injection bandwagon ,,, hey it’s only been 52 years since Chevy and Pontiac V8’s were first offered with fuel injection... I remember in 1974/75 when Chevy was arguing that the then current standards were “impossible” to meet and Honda (then new to cars and just selling their fist “600” model) took up the challenge and in 4 months took a full size Chevy and created new 4 valve heads for it and took the car from 12 mpg to 20+ AND increased power by the same percentage AND met emission standards with no catalyst.
If Honda tells you it’s not possible then I’d believe it ,,, Chevy/Ford/Dodge have always just played games with the politicians ,, no interest at all in building the best most advanced cars outside of “special” products such as the Corvette.
I’m buying a diesel Accord when they become available.