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American automakers are losing the race to make more fuel-efficient vehicles (www.theverge.com)

submitted 11 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

They did, decades ago. That is no longer an issue.

Now we have current efficiency standards that focus on cars. However trucks have much lower requirements because businesses might need additional capabilities. No individual would ever buy a truck as a personal vehicle , right? So you have these criteria meant to give a break to businesses, but ever larger vehicles mean that personal vehicles now also qualify. They can be made more cheaply, with more profit.

Somehow, they didn’t consider the criteria would be abused for more profitable personal vehicles

Pickup truck? Clearly a contractor so let’s give you a break
All wheel drive and high clearance? Clearly a rare specialty off-road vehicle that needs a break
Seats 7+, even if they’re only toddlers? Clearly a transportation service, so needs a break in efficiency to carry more passengers
Tow hitch? Clearly in need of extra torque and heavy duty frame for whatever business need you’re towing