AAA Article: What Will We Drive in 2016?

[MF_DEUCE]

I found an interesting article from AAA, where it talks about fuel efficiency and the type of cars manufacturers may "push" us to buy. Here are some important quotes I found in the article:

“The size of [consumer] items in the U.S. tends to be much larger than in Japan.” - Hiroshi Kayukawa, Toyota Prius chief engineer

“American drivers want to drive more-fuel-efficient—but not smaller—vehicles,” - George Peterson, AutoPacific’s president

NHTSA and EPA are considering raising fuel-efficiency standards to a fleetwide average of 54.5 mpg by 2025

“Our biggest concern is that the government will force regulation ahead of technology, which will force consumers into smaller vehicles,” says Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “Full-size pickups could go the way of the dinosaur.”

To read the entire article, click here: http://www.calif.aaa.com/westways/20...www.google.com

[serialk11r]

Lighter, smaller cars. Great! Seeing 5000 pound giant boxes equipped with excessively sized engines rolling on the roads with 1 person inside is sickening to me.

Manufacturers have the potential to improve efficiency 15-maybe 30% with only transmission and engine improvements, depending on the car obviously, and that's almost good enough to hit 2016 standards. The next increase will start to really force these compromises, and perhaps more use of aluminum and stuff.

[Neutral_Eyes]

I better buy a full size pickup now, then.

“Do we really need a Camry that does 0–60 mph in 6 seconds?” Simanaitis asks.

What a tool.

Nevermind that instead of pouring proper money into efficient vehicle development, this will just force more hybrid garbage on us. Big oil has to come out on top somehow.

[blur]

He has a point. If you're looking for a fuel efficient 4 door family sedan, I doubt that figure is meaningful.

I think it's obvious that society doesn't give a sh1t about the passionate driving. The future is bleak