In 2016, automakers selling their products in the United States have to reach a CAFE average of 35.5 miles per gallon. To put that number in perspective, the average saving of fuel in a vehicle sold in 2010 was 22.2 miles per gallon; in other words, in the next five years, fuel economy has increased an average of nearly 61 per cent to the sold vehicle. It is not even remotely possible, especially considering that the average selling vehicle fuel economy has decreased from 2009 and 2010. One reason is that the sales of trucks, vans and SUVs increased 3% last year; in other words, Americans as large vehicles, and while gas prices are not kept at current levels, we will continue to buy trucks. It is bad news for automakers, who are facing stiff financial penalties if they can not reach the CAFE targets ridiculously optimistic. So, what happens next?
Firstly, it is unlikely that the Americans will change your vehicle buying habits, unless it is convinced of high fuel prices are here to stay. Even then, the reduction is likely what buying a small truck or SUV, not jumping up to a fuel efficient compact hybrid. In fact, the hybrid market shrank from 2.9 percent of vehicles sold in 2009 to 2.4% of vehicles sold in 2010. The hybrids I only know that they are selling well are the Toyota Prius (bought by the minority of Americans who are really concerned about the prices of fuel, global warming and the environment) and the Lincoln MKZ hybrid, that costs the same exact amount as his brother not hybrid. Despite the best attempts by the manufacturer to change our buying habits, much should be obvious: Americans don't like hybrid, because they are still too "different" cars are used.
So what options of car manufacturers actually do? One, from what I can say: request the Government to relax the implementation of standards of coffee, at least until the technology of capture with the legislation. The only alternative I can see is slapping huge surcharges in trucks, to encourage buyers to reduce the size of transport more sensible. I can think of a stupid enough politician to promote this programme would cetainly be political suicide.
