Author: Peter J.H. Johnson
Source: articleage.com
Whenever new regulations regarding the auto industry are imposed, it reminds me
of two parents arguing about their child. One, gas regulator, parent wants to make an unpopular
decision that will better their son or daughter in the long run. The other doesn't see
any long-term gains just short-term pain. The child usually takes the side with no
short-term pain, gas regulator, . Last week the Bush Administration announced new Corporate
Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) guidelines to automakers that now include large
SUV's. Under the new rules, light trucks and SUV's must average 24 miles per gallon
by 2011, up from 21.6 mpg, an increase of more than 10% in 5 years. Automakers
say these new regulations pose serious challenges and prices will rise a few hundred
dollars per vehicle, hurting consumers. The Bush Administration said the new
regulations, gas regulator, will help reduce America's dependence on foreign oil over the next few
years.
Like before, an automaker can use vehicles that get above the requirement to offset
those that get below. However, in order to achieve the higher average, automakers
will need to introduce new technologies to make fuel efficient vehicles even more
fuel efficient, and make gas guzzling SUV's drink fuel at a slower pace. Today many
new technologies improve power and reduce fuel consumption. Improved
aerodynamics, reduced weight and more, gas regulator, efficient drive trains will help achieve these
gains. As automakers point out, there is a price to pay for all of these impending
improvements.
Although these are the biggest changes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy
guidelines we've seen in a long time, they are long overdue. Over the last 10 years
we've seen a dramatic rise, gas regulator, in large SUV sales like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln
Navigator and Hummer H2. As these vehicles, gas regulator, have become more commonplace, it's
time that they meet more strict regulations.
We've come a long way since the 1970's when the government made their first big
push to increase fuel economy. Today,, gas regulator, our cars are cleaner, more fuel efficient and
more powerful. But we wouldn't have any of these improvements unless the
Government took, gas regulator, the action it took. Whenever there is a challenge, automakers can
turn to there best and brightest for the solutions.
As it stands right now, large SUV's, gas regulator, don't make much sense. Hopefully these new
guidelines will force automakers to downsize their offerings and push customers
into more sensible vehicles. And it's best to get this done before the next spike in
fuel prices. When prices spike due to a supply issue, vehicles like the Hummer H2
will become the hot potato that nobody will want to be caught with. Who's side will
you be on then?
Peter Johnson is the chief writer for http://www.all-about-car-selection, gas regulator, .com
