Wait and see. What can be easily done can be easily undone.

In any event it doesn't matter, we are one country and our standards even with these regulations that were in place are not the strictest.

 

Your view of "older Americans" is getting skewed. I'm in my 50s and never had any first-hand experience with any of these vehicles because I got my DL in the mid 1980s. The only reason I have any clue about this history is because I was in a small subset of teens that followed cars and subscribed to C&D. I don't consider myself an "older American" yet, but I'm getting close. If I mentioned this to any of my contemporaries, none of them would have any clue.

You are a student of automotive history, and have a vast knowledge of these things--you are in a very small minority of people. Non-car people (most people) don't know and, frankly, don't care.

 

Exactly, the 70s was 50 years ago lol, people who were driving in the 70s are getting to be in their 70s. First hand experience isn't driving this

 

Whether one argues that oil has liberated humanity from the shadows or anticipates that its continued use will result in an irreversible descent into the abyss; dismisses past predictions in the 1970s of only 35 years of oil remaining on Earth while clinging to projections of another 50, 100 or more years remaining… none of it matters.

Earth will never ‘run out of oil’. However, there will come a time when oil largely becomes less economically viable and dependable compared to alternatives. When these conditions are predominantly met, it will be the end time for oil. What is currently transpiring is the government’s withdrawal from perpetrating the illusion that time is imminent via absurd CAFE standards, EV mandates and all the rest.

Understand that if not a single drop of oil is burning Malthusian-like doomsayers will continue screaming about the depletion of other resources and the detrimental impact on the planet resulting in our demise. It is an industry.

 

At the end of the day cafe standards and emissions regulations have really improved our lives. Air is much more breathable now in cities and other congested areas vs 30 years ago directly due to emissions regulations of vehicles. Consumers overwhelmingly cite that fuel economy is one of the top if not the top most important factor when selecting a car...so this is a rare occurrence where Government mandates for efficiency and consumer desire actually align.

Like everything else though, there is a compromise that needs to be reached.

 

vehicle emissions has dropped something like 98% since the 1970s, how much are we prepared to pay to chase those last couple %? This was due to Clean Air Act, but not CAFE. Many fuel efficient vehicles will continue to exist even after this reduction back to 35 mpg. One big thing that was eliminated was the stupid EPA waiver given to Cali that essentially let Cali create emissions rules for the country outside of the legistlative process. Without the waiver, state emission rules could not supercede federal emission rules.

 

I think for low volume models - say less than 25k per year, there should be no emissions restrictions. Ferrari, McLaren etc shouldn’t be forced to make complex engines to meet some arbitrary figure.

For volume models - yes there should be some minimum requirements. But what it has turned into is unrealistic demands on automakers which has compromised reliability and increased pricing.

 

I think that’s a legitimate viewpoint. However, that reduction is because of emissions regulations so you can’t fault them across the board.

CAFE standards have dramatically improved fuel economy which most consumers highly value.

 

yea but now CAFE requirements are going into unreasonable targets. Back in the 1980s car companies were already exceeding the CAFE targets because early on it barely crept up. Then it started getting ridiculous after 2010. Dont forget about the silly footprint formula that makes smaller cars have higher targets than a larger vehicle, basically making the market lean towards SUVs and trucks. Its the reason why midsize trucks cant compete with full size.

 

Overall emissions have not dropped 98% CO, NOx and particulates fit in the ~98% category that's about it. I'd have to check but CO2 is probably higher. Ammonia and nitrous oxide are still a big problem with car exhaust and that won't change.

Also what very often gets overlooked is particulates from tire and break pad wear.

 

I don’t disagree, that’s why I said there needs to be a compromise.

BUT, every cafe standard was thought to be unreasonable until it became reality.

 

Truth. Automakers screamed new regulations would put them out of business.

 

Exactly, and they never have.

 

Here is a glimpse at what some of these regulations have cost the consumers in terms of price and choice. There will be a horsepower and price war in the next couple years in the industry. Some companies are able to go gloves off moreso than others.

2024 Durango with the 5.7 Hemi started $51k, now starting $43k for 2026MY
2024 Durango 392 was $86k fully loaded, now starting $50k, so $60k with full options for 2026MY?
2024 Durango Hellcat starting $103.5k, now starting $80k 2026MY
They just added back the 3.6 V6 pentastar to the Durango line for $39k

Sure the Durango is old, but find me a brand new 3 row SUV with a V6/V8 for $38-43k. The 2026 Grand Highlander starts at 43k and the Highlander starts 46k and you have to roll the dice with turbo 4 engine. It is still a good option for a budget minded buyer in a market of escalating vehicle prices.

2024 392 Wrangler Final Editions were going for $100k, now 2026 Wrangler MOAB 392s are starting $80k. Imagine how much CAFE penalties were put on a 392 Wrangler which has a smaller vehicle footprint, non aerodynamic body, and big V8. How could a company even forecast what to sell such a vehicle at when you want to sell as many as you can to make it worth it but dont sell too many to harm the fleet average and misforecast the price vs units sold vs CAFE penalties. Then take into account carbon credits that had to be purchased.

 

Consumers by and large just don't care. Enthusiasts care about engines like that but consumers really don't. When you adjust vehicle prices for inflation thats the thing, they actually aren't more expensive. Thats why the Highlander/Grand Highlander dramatically outsells the Durango and will continue to.