if technology for improving gas mileage were readily available and economical, what incentives would lead ....

Question

manufacturers to introduce it?

Answer 1

You already have available technologies providing autos with very high gas mileage. You can buy one such car right now. You know that. The issue gets down to gas cost, and land/traffic congestion.

In the U.S. let's say one drives in average 10,000 per year. If you drive with a 40 mpg auto vs a 20 mpg one, this means you consume 250 gallons of gas vs 500. At $3 a gallon, this means $750 vs $1,500 per year. So, with the more efficient car one could save $750 per year. So far this type of savings is not enough to encourage the American public to trade down from their extremely comfortable SUVs for Honda Civics, Geo Metro.

In other countries such as Japan and European countries, the car fleet is entirely different. SUVs virtually do not exist, and small efficient cars dominate the car fleet. Why is that?

This is due to two reasons. The first one is that gas taxes are a multiple then what they are in the U.S. As a result, the annual gas savings ($750 for the U.S. driver) is several times that in both Japan and Europe. Additionally, parking in the main cities is very restricted. And, the traffic throughout the country is often more dense. As a result, space is at a premium. And, a small car becomes a necessity not only for the tremendous gas savings but for navigating in congested traffic and parking.

Hope this answer was helpful. If you need clarification, you are welcome to contact me through the Answer communication device.

Answer 2

Conspiracy theorists will tell you that the technology has existed for some time and would be economical for the car owner to incorporate. Unfortunately, the oil companies bought the rights to and supress the distribution of such technology, at least until the oil runs out.

Answer 3

Higher gas prices lead to less automobile utilization/replacement
- there is also a skill issue involved as US college students leave science/engineering specialization after a B.S, instead of going
on. This is why the Japanese have better fuel efficiency. No conspiracies, just high redesign costs.


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Answer 4

I opened up my exhaust and increased my spark plug gap and installed new higher voltage coils. I gained 2-3 MPG highway in my Saturn. As the leans out the mixture I might install a water injection system for added mileage and cooling effect.

Answer 5

Government requirement, brought on by public demand. technology for improving gas milage ARE readily available and economical, but so many don't know it exists, so how can there be public demand leading to government requirement? Do you homework before asking your next question please.