If you’ve been following the news the past few days you’ve undoubtedly heard about the President’s new proposals for increased fuel mileage and emission standards for all new cars by 2016. On the surface it sounds warm and fuzzy, but dig down a little bit and you’ll soon understand why this is not a good idea.
Like everyone, I want better pollution control and a friendly environment, but there needs to be moderation. Taking drastic cuts such as this will have more detrimental effects than positive ones for several reasons. As such, this is more politics than anything else.
The additional costs to produce these “new, smaller vehicles” is estimated at $1300. Now who believes this figure? In 7 years and after all sorts of government beauracy, this figure will likely be closer to $5000 or more.
Next, Americans are not going to want to buy these small cars. They don’t today and they won’t tomorrow unless gas goes up to $7 – $10 a gallon or the government gives out some massive incentives on them. And if they do, guess where the money for that will be coming from? That’s right, the good ole American taxpayer.
Another thing to keep in mind with these new small cars is going to safety. How safe do you think you’ll be in a small car in a crash with someone else’s older SUV or even a large 4 door sedan? The laws of physics still apply, regardless of any new vehicle standards.
Finally, I chuckle from the cost saving analysis that has been projected. We’re going to save so much money and not import as much oil, etc. Again, pure politics.
People are just going to hold onto their bigger cars and SUV’s. That will only drive up the demand for foreign oil and increase pollution.
The real winner in this proposal is the used car industry and the mechanic shops. Unfortunately, the big loser in this is you and I. We’re going to be saddled with increased vehicle costs, taxes and the loss of freedom of choice.
Ahhh…Government Motors. Don’t you love how they operate. Get used to it because this is part of what a socialist society is like. You wanted change…
