Regulation being required is only a sign that some of the companies aren't willing to produce such cars without regulation. People aren't always rational about

Regulation being required is only a sign that some of the companies aren't willing to produce such cars without regulation. People aren't always rational about price. You might want a more efficient car, but those are newer. You have $1000 and your older car just broke. The repairs cost more than the money you have, and you need to get to work. You would like a nice, efficient car but in your price range, you get gas guzzlers. Oh well, it is better than losing your job. There are lots of factors like this folks face when purchasing things. Overall cost isn't always a factor even when it should be in a perfect world .