Should the government do more to force automakers to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles?

Answer 1

Car and Driver had a good article about why CAFE fuel-economy standards do not work

so I say no; American automakers can continue to get crushed as they deserve for being in bed with oil companies and Bush!!!

Japanese companies (Toyota hybrids) and VW (their TDi diesels) leave them in the DUST!!

Even the "Chevrolet" Aveo (actually it's a Korean POS made by Daewoo) is a joke; poor mileage when compared to Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Scion xA and xB mdels

GM and also Ford and Chrysler are dragging their heels when they have fuel-efficient models selling in Europe! Remember GM ruined the reputation of Diesel cars in the 70's and 80's. Diesels get SUCH good mileage

Remember, GM killed the electric car!!!

in a word, no
the market has already done that!!
Raising the gas tax is a much better solution

Answer 2

Supply and demand.
Give the consumer what they want. If you do not do so, we will go elsewhere.

Most of us hate the fuel efficient and enviro cars out right now. They look ugly, too expensive, and they're not that efficient.
If they forced automakers to do that, I wouldnt buy those cars. Id still go for the fast, nicer looking cars.

Government cant determine or force automakers to do anything. Its up to us to determine what type of cars will be made.

The only solution, is to make these fuel effecien or alternative fuel cars more efficient, better looking, cheaper, and still drive pretty fast. Otherwise im not buying it.

Answer 3

The government can do things to force automakers to produce cars with more fuel efficiency but it does no good to do so if the public does not want them. The consumer can force the automakers to make more efficient cars by buying them and not buying the gas guzzlers

Answer 4

well,plenty of cars are more fuel efficient but what about full size pick ups??,I need one for the farm to get hay,haul everything I desire ,my tractor isn/t to fuel efficient either,and for vehicles that perform these kinds of dutys you have to sacrifice mileage for power, I can't use no pint size 4 cyl pick up to do any of this work,and working small trucks harder could actually be less efficient than using a full size,,but maybe we should all take a look at ourselves and driving habits and see how WE can reduce demand,then fuel prices will stop rising to un holy heights,I do have a Honda Accord for all my other driving,

Answer 5

Yes, indeed, - ALL Governments SHOULD do ALL things, within their power, to increase fuel efficiency, - NOW, - before it's too LATE!

If someone makes the first move, the REST will follow! And, THAT ain't just ME, talking, - the rest of the World is CRYING OUT for it! The need to SAVE this Planet, from the inconsiderate behaviour of its most "INTELLIEGENT" species, - mankind, - is becoming a NECESSITY!

Answer 6

Joe . No !

If they "the government" did force there hand to push auto-makers to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles...

We could not afford to purchase any that they could build.

Reason:

The U.S. auto-makers would have to change everything from which they produce autos now.
Machinery, Tools, etc, They - I think they would have to re-think as to "How to set up mass-producing a whole new line of auto's/trucks & etc. ?

Answer 7

Shouldn't we force the government to force automakers to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles?

Answer 8

I would rather see more of the carrot and less of the stick. Everybody involved would like to see more efficient vehicles, it is a matter of finding direction.
We could use more students graduating from our schools with technology degrees that can design better engines, tires, and batteries. The U.S. can also take a lesson from Japan on the value of research and development. America invented so many of the great transportation technologies of the last century. It is time to step up to the 21st Century.

Answer 9

They should, but they won't. The fact of the matter is that they are making way too much money off of it. Our government doesn't care about the environment, the fact that the middle and lower class people aren't able to afford gas, or anything else besides the money they take in from it.

Answer 10

no. the government shouldn't force any business in a free market economy to do anything, unless the government is the purchaser