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Matt @ Feb 27th 2008 8:40AM
Firstly, You can't compare British MPG (or even Canadian MPG) to US MPG. The Imperial Gallon contains more than 20% more volume than a US gallon.
35 MPG in US gallons is 42 MPG in Imperial gallons, right off the bat.
Secondly, as we all know, fuel economy is high in europe because gas is expensive, and it's actually worthwhile for a consumer to buy a fuel efficient vehicle.
Which leads me to this, and this is an open question, Can anyone explain the thought process behind legislating fuel economy?
Rather than force the automakers to build cars that no one actually wants, why are we not re-pricing gasoline through taxation to make a 35 MPG appealing to consumers? It's like going into a flower shop and telling the owners they can't sell roses for Valentine's day anymore, that they have to sell dandelions. Nevermind that no one wants ugly dandelions. Dandelions have never gotten anyone laid, for the record.
I always thought the US was founded on capitalist, free-market economics. CAFE is the clearest evidence that the US has become too willing to intervene in the mechanics of the Market. even more frightening, it might be more likely that no one in power who knows anything about how the economy actually works, or how to foster a prosperous nation.
Oh wait.... isn't there a recession coming?
It's enough to make you want to hole up in the 'ole cellar with canned goods and bottled water.
jb @ Feb 27th 2008 9:03AM
The bigger issue here is that America might not be able to [i]afford[/i] the importing of all that oil anymore. It goes beyond emissions toward simple economy. Yes Americans drive bigger and more powerful cars than the rest of the world, they have bigger houses aso, but there is no evidence that they can afford that. With rising energy prices and a falling dollar, Americans should be smart to switch to a more frugal style of life.
And yes taxing the price of gas to death would help that, but it would penalize the more modest families, and is not sustainable until there is a comprehensive alternative to car transportation.
It will be painful, people, but the transition to a society not dependent on cars is coming. Europe is on its way there, America will eventually follow suit.