Comments on: Auto Industry Workers Say 35 MPG by 2020 Can Be Done

By: lornali

lornali — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:15:58 +0000

I agree with you, Don. 35 mpg seems like such a low bar that for the U.S. auto industry lobby to make a big issue of it seems pathetic. Furthermore, for Toyota to side with the Big 3 auto makers on the 32 mpg by 2022 compromise seems like sheer betrayal, when the Japanese car manufacturer currently has the technology to achieve 55 mpg. However, I think this is a long term strategy of Toyota to gain market share from American car manufacturers. The Japanese tend to think long term.
Just as a benchmark, average real world mileage is 46.8 mpg. But, as Chris pointed out, we can’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. We gotta start somewhere, or we will be forever mired in indecision and inaction.
Where industry fails us, citizens need to make more noise, so please do sign this petition and pass it on:
Energy Bill 2007

By: Tay Losso

Tay Losso — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 13:16:02 +0000

Toyota Matrix is a great car. It’s sad that our culture essentially criminalizes sensibility!

By: urbanmike

urbanmike — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:44:38 +0000

We just bought a Toyota Matrix, which runs at around 45mpg I guess, and have been questioned by many friends about why we would “downsize” from a minivan.
Apparently they don’t see that you can rent a truck if you need it, rather than driving one round every day for the one day a year you use it to haul wood?

By: Chris Abraham

Chris Abraham — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 11:41:47 +0000

Yes, but I think you’re far from even remotely realistic. Maybe if we were Holland or Finland or even Monaco, but I think that the land of the Muscle car during a time of plenty, money, and Ford F-150s, a mandatory 100 by 2020 is actually a little pipe dream. You’re not a cynic, you’re a realist. Even 35 by 2020 is going to be tight and probably going to be vetoed. So, please don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.

By: Don Yost

Don Yost — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:27:41 +0000

I hate to sound like a cynic, but 35 by 2020 is terrible! By using our brains we could have 100 by 2020 and, more importantly, change infrstructure so that there are other options besides the car (regardless of what it runs on). The Auto Industry Workers are just as myopic and corrupt as the industry management!