Why New Ideas Take So Long
Why New Ideas Take So Long
M. Simon has a great article about the automobile design cycle on Winds of Change that is well worth reading. It's from February, 2003, before the huge sales demand for the Prius became apparent. From what I know on the subject, the only thing slowing them down is a huge waiting list.
posted by jj mollo @ 6/14/2005 11:01:00 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
actually, he understates the problem. Additionally, there has to be a market to drive the whole process. It is enlightening to view the arguments around fuel efficent vehicles in the 70's, the subsequent passing of fleet mileage requirements and its impact on Crude prices in the mid and late 80's. If you do, please note the glaring hole in fleet mileage requirements that you can literally drive a truck thru
My mechanic told me that lots of people had been telling him recently that their mileage had been steadily dropping. Especially people with hybrids and generally efficient vehicles. I suppose it is probably just selective awareness, but he thinks it's a conspiracy by the oil companies. He thinks they're adjusting the formulation to get worse mileage.
Myself, I think that the car companies are purposely detuning vehicles under warranty in order to keep mileage low, so that when new CAFE standards are eventually introduced, as they must be, the new models will be able to show dramatic improvements. Do you think that's plausible? (I've also heard that UFO's can interfere with the electronics.)
I've always hated the SUV/light truck fad. Republicans screw with the standards and the tax loopholes because they think the future will take care of itself.
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