It's not working quickly, but I am sure fuel efficiency is on the minds of most car buyers. But it takes anywhere between 3 and 10 years for the entire fleet of cars / trucks to be upgraded / replaced. As far as reward / penalty, I don't think it would find much political support, because people like to talk what others should do, but don't want to be inconvenienced themselves too drastically.
So far, the price of gas is slightly effecting sales of super gas guzzlers. But it's really a small part of peoples overall budget. Most folks don't think about it enough to realize that transportation costs are a tax on everything they buy. From the transportation of the finished product to the transportation of the components to the transportation of the workers who build the stuff to the transportation of the packaging....
It's closer to 10 years to replace the fleet, and it never gets completely replaced. (Still some '57 Chevy's around). Which is why you need a huge incentive to buy fuel efficiency. You also need a marketing campaign, both negative and positive. When the SUV owner registers his plate and pays his $5k tax he gets a black license plate. The guy that gets his energy efficiency rebate each year gets a green license plate. All vehicles have to have their MPG ratings on the back of the car, like nameplates. All car ads have to have MPG rating prominently displayed. Maybe even something like the Surgeon Generals warning on cigarettes.
Listen, we use 25% of the world's oil production. 1/2 or 12.5% of that is for transportation. If we can increase our efficiency dramatically we, alone, can influence peak oil effects and buy time for advanced technology. And there would be a spill over effect from the world's largest auto market going efficient.
But we have to start, not just wring our hands and talk. Oil is up 5X in five years, 3X in three years. What if it's up another 3X in thee years? The Mullahs, Communists and SA dictators will be sucking even more of the wealth out of this country. We are fighting for our economic lives... this is THE biggest issue we face.
But... we have to act. And all I see is stupor from our lawmakers.
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Maybe they know more about their electorate...
Oh, they do. I haven't seen one that wants to give up the 'SUV demographic'. That's why I'm very pessimistic about my old age.
BTW, 3 months ago I (had to) buy a new energy efficient air conditioner. I was amazed it cut our YOY electric bills by well over 30% and it was hotter this year. We've got it set at 77 and it feels cooler than the old one at 73. Much quieter as well. Hated writing that check for $7K but feel a little better... damn good machine. |
