Bush Approves SUV Fuel Economy Increase

AP ^ | 12/12/02 | H. JOSEF HEBERT

[finnman69]

Hmm, auto makers and Sierra club is unhappy. Sounds like a win for Bush. He makes an increase that is manageble by automakers, and takes the issue away from RATS.

[finnman69]

Too add something. I can't imagine a 1.5 MPG increase is outrageous by any means.

[Willie Green]

Gomer W. Bush: "Surprise, surprise, surprise!!!"

[hopespringseternal]

So if 1.5 mpg increase is good, why not 5? How about 10?

For that matter, why don't we just legislate that SUVs don't need fuel at all?

Compassionate socialism strikes again.

[Recovering_Democrat]

Smart political move, though I disagree in a philosophical sense. GW can point to the increase, environmentalists look ungrateful and whiny, arch conservatives' anger about it make GW look reasonable to wishy-washy 'moderates'.

I like Bush. He's really not out to divide, he's out to unite and move forward reasonably. And thats coming from a
Recovering_Democrat.

[Paradox]

Too add something. I can't imagine a 1.5 MPG increase is outrageous by any means.

It's harder than you think, and will cost some money. There will be some compromises to be made. Its do-able though.

[anniegetyourgun]

"It's a minuscule number compared to what's needed and what's technically achievable," said Daniel Becker, a fuel economy expert at the Sierra Club."

What's needed and what is technically achievable is the balance that sound environmental policy must strike. The latter is what enviros want and what most don't want to drive.

[FreeTheHostages]

Good analysis.

[rs79bm]

Owning an SUV myself, I get around 19-20mpg on average. I must say that it is not the SUV's that are the problem, but the full size pick-up trucks and other heavy duty vehicles. They average around 13-17mpg.

[finnman69]

"Achieving this standard depends on consumers buying our fuel-efficient vehicles in large numbers," said Gloria Briquets, a spokeswoman for the Auto Alliance, which represents the major manufacturers.

This does not seem socialist. Automakers can easily use capitalism to achieve this goal. They just need to design attractive popular models that happen to get higher MPG. The consumer will make the choice to buy the vehicle they want. The automaker will make money buy designing a popular vehicle, and the environmental/energy needs of America will be improved. A WIN-WIN.

[Slewfoot]

A small step down the slippery slope, but still headed down.

[finnman69]

Thats what I said. I can't believe a 1.5MPG increase is outrageous. You yourself said its doable.

[RightWhale]

This is fine. My new SUV doesn't get great gas mileage. It wouldn't hurt to choke that demon a little.

[kaktuskid]

100% Diesel Engines

[hopespringseternal]

They just need to design attractive popular models that happen to get higher MPG.

As opposed to the current situation, where they spend billions developing ugly high mileage vehicles so that no one will buy them?

[zingzang]

Compassionate socialism strikes again.

So what would you prefer? No enforcement at all? I'm sure Exxon board members would like that, but driving a vehicle that gets 10 gallons to the mile doesn't sound too cool to me.

[niteowl77]

ugly high mileage vehicles

Yes, it's a rice burner, but the Subaru Baja instantly came to mind.

[toddst]

100% Diesel Engines.

Nope, but increased use of diesels in the heaver end of the fleet probably make achieving the required increase possible with no pain inflicted on actual SUV's.

Improvements in electronics (engine management) have had a tremendous impact on fuel efficiency in our newer vehicles. This trend alone will contribute to higher average mileage across the board. The auto industry was involved in this decision IMO. George W. does it again (a good job of leading.)

[drachenfels]

How about a Jeep Liberty? DaimlerChrysler announced late last month that they'll offer a 2.8 direct injection 6 cylinder diesel for next year; this should offer at least low 20s with a manual gear box in the city...

Only downside... this is still a unibody vehicle, it's not really a serious truck.

Cheers!

[Slewfoot]

No enforcement at all?

Like a free country, where no nanny tells you what you can or can't buy.