What effects would subjecting light trucks, SUVS and minivans to CAFE standards have on America?

Question

My assumption is that it would force the automobile industry, both foreign and domestic, to make vehicles of those class more fuel efficient. It would seem that this would lower America's dependence on foreign oil, but are there other rewards or consequences of enforcing such standards on the industry?

Answer 1

Applying cafe standards would cost the consumer more in production costs associated w their vehicle than they are spending now on fuel!! And the dirty little secret is that deep down we don't really want cars developed w fuel efficiency as a primary engineering concern.

Generally speaking we want cars that are fast & quick, powered by an engine capable of real "get up & go". If that were not the case why would we still be producing & buying so many vehicles equipped w V8s & V6s when a four cylinder would adequately power the vehicle.

Not to mention we want our vehicles "tricked out" w all the newest gadgets & technology, & all of this "stuff" translates into additional weight , which in turn negatively effects fuel consumption..

Don't get me wrong I have a lead foot from waaaaay back, but as I have wondered aloud for years , "Why do speedometers still measure at least up to 90 mph when there is no place to legally drive at that speed in the US?"

Answer 2

It would cripple the US automotive industry and throw thousands of working class union members out of work, and would cause a serious economic crisis in Michigan and environs.

The saddest aspect of this would be the lost fact that it was the CAFE standards which CAUSED the growth of the light truck / SUV / Minivan market. Because the CAFE punished vehicles classified as cars, large cars and station wagons went out of production and were replaced with SUVs and minivans, which had WORSE mileage.

But the enviros have been too busy patting themselves on the back to realize this is what they have done. The law of unintended consequences struck again, and the CAFE-supporting idiots still don't understand it.

CAFE also raises serious constitutional issues, because it essentially dictates a motor company's vehicle fleet lineup, REGARDLESS of the demand of the customers. This type of heavy-handed government-coerced central planning does not bode well for the consumer or the auto industry.

But, hey, what's massive unemployment and misery for thousands upon thousands of working people compared to the smug self-satisfaction the enviros will get for passing this feel-good legislation?