U of M Study Finds Automakers Manipulate CAFE - A Reader Responds

A Fellow Tach'er Responds To U of M Study Finds Automakers Manipulate CAFE

Hello Mr. Snide,

Your recent article on Big Oil has unleashed a feeling of rage against the oil cartels and American car producers. I agree with your comments as it regards the North American auto producer's commitment to "big Oil".

In 1979, I owned a 1979 Plymouth Caravelle station wagon, with a 460 8 cylinder engine and an automatic transmission with"lock up torque converter". On the highway, I was able to achieve 28 miles per gallon- the same as Chrysler now reports for their new 3.6L 6 cylinder engine. What happened to their commitment to improved fuel economy over the past 32 years?!

Yes, I suspect that all three major American producers had a sweetheart deal with Big Oil, to protect their interests. Could there have been a rebate to the auto companies for continuing the facade of improved fuel efficiency? It wouldn't surprise me!

Ford seems to have broken from the "game" with the oil companies, with the introduction of their new generation of smaller more fuel efficient engines. I eagerly await real- life road tests for both Chrysler and GM products, to verify their claims of city and highway fuel efficiency. If they don't deliver efficiencies that are claimed, we may assume that they are also lying about other claims made about the product now produced. If that is the case, their credibility is lost and they deserve to lose any and all business they currently have, to more environmentally conscious car companies, that have demonstrated continuous improvements to quality of product and fuel efficiency.

Also, what is the reluctance of US manufacturers to introduce diesel engines to their passenger cars, while the same companies have years of experience with those engines in, foreign countries, where their product is sold? They could immediately contribute to a savings of oil, amounting to millions of barrels per day.

I believe that American oil companies are deliberately avoiding the installation of diesel fuel pumps to most inner city gas stations, to make it difficult for owners of diesel engined vehicles to refuel. Diesel fuel is generally only to be found near major highways, making it inconvenient for most city dwellers to refuel. The irony is that diesel engine owners usually can go twice as far, on a tank of fuel, as someone who owns a gasoline powered vehicle! Diesel engines have a longer life than gasoline engines. Diesel engines do not overheat in summer months; so, when you are stuck in a freeway jam for hours on end, you can run your air conditioner without any concern of overheating your engine! The new generation of diesel engines are as quiet as gasoline engines under way and perform virtually as well. When it comes to towing a trailer, diesel engines can out pull a gasoline engine any day!

Now let's talk about quality: Hyundai has made the most improvement in quality of any auto company in the world! Why can't Chrysler and GM make similar improvements? I believe they are still playing "catch up" with companies like Honda and Toyota, which have systems in place ensure that they are never caught.

Hyundai has the right idea, they didn't benchmark themselves against anyone so didn't waste energy on the development of systems that would result in a "me too" reputation. Instead, they developed systems to "leapfrog" everyone else. They deserve to have improving market share values because of their responsible approach to the market. They have established credibility with their customer base and continue to expand their brand recognition through the best advertising available- word of mouth from satisfied customers.

I don't understand why the "obvious" is so difficult for a car company, in business for 100 years, to grasp! It's time for American manufacturing to either "wake up" and become committed to becoming a "winner" or concede defeat and drop out of the race!

Keep up the good work!!
Best Regards,
Roy Z.

What Do You Think? Msnide@theautochannel.com