• theyoyomaster@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Bigger and heavier vehicles (more specifically “trucks” which aren’t legally defined by their beds and encompass virtually anything larger than a simple sedan) are exempt from the majority of fuel economy standards. As a result many auto makers have just straight up stopped making “cars” and shifted entirely to larger vehicles because they can get away with more emissions. Yes, a 2023 SUV is slightly more efficient than a 2013 SUV, but so many more of them are being sold instead of cars that the overall emissions are way higher. I love my Ford Focus from 2017 but Ford literally cancelled every single sedan, coupe and hatchback other than the Mustang and now exclusively makes SUVs, trucks and a single sports car.

    • XeroxCool@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      The Lexus RX350 convinced consumers that crossovers are cool and SUVs/CUVs are great for daily driving. But, the real culprit behind the transition was the Plymouth that CAFE classed as a light truck: the PT Cruiser, the wringer that lifted the Ram’s fleet fuel economy overnight