Disasters shouldn't be the only motivator
Back in 2003, the Union of Concerned Scientists built the better SUV -- the Guardian XSE, with a V6, 170 hp engine and a 6-speed transmission. It was an exercise to demonstrate to the automotive industry -- Detroit specifically -- that they could build a safer -- and more fuel efficient SUV, using existing technologies, with no need to go hybrid. The SUV got 30MPG.
Of course, that was years ago, and technology has made progress, especially with the growing demand for hybrid vehicles. It has gotten so that even Detroit is getting on the bandwagon, after years of being implored by environmentalists to make an effort. What stopped them? Lack of motivation. There was no mandate to make more fuel efficient cars, and Detroit was hostile to being told by anyone how to design their vehicles.
Even now, after Detroit is being bailed out of their bad business practices, they're still resisting change. Begs the question -- should they be saved?
Of course, that was years ago, and technology has made progress, especially with the growing demand for hybrid vehicles. It has gotten so that even Detroit is getting on the bandwagon, after years of being implored by environmentalists to make an effort. What stopped them? Lack of motivation. There was no mandate to make more fuel efficient cars, and Detroit was hostile to being told by anyone how to design their vehicles.
Even now, after Detroit is being bailed out of their bad business practices, they're still resisting change. Begs the question -- should they be saved?
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