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https://www.resources.org/common-resources/how-much-do-regulations-for-fuel-economy-and-emissions-incentivize-the-production-of-larger-vehicles/ https://www.res

https://www.resources.org/common-resources/how-much-do-regulations-for-fuel-economy-and-emissions-incentivize-the-production-of-larger-vehicles/ https://www.resources.org/common-resources/how-much-do-regul... Interestingly, the large trucks and SUVs seem to be partially the result of fuel efficiency regulations.

cdolan 3y ago
Great example of unintended consequences
kyrra 3y ago
EPA is trying to close that loophole: https://www.wired.com/story/the-us-wants-to-close-the-suv-loophole-that-supersized-cars/ https://www.wired.com/story/the-us-wants-to-close-the-suv-lo... Washington Post predicted this 12 years ago: https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/cafe-loophole-could-lead-to-bigger-cars/2011/12/14/gIQA3bGLuO_blog.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/cafe-lo...
- lamontcg 3y ago
  That wasn't new in 2012, I can remember it being discussed back in 2006 and that SUV graph continues back in time to around 1985-1990 or so. Doubt they manage to close the loophole, it is too profitable.
missingcolours 3y ago
I also wonder if the increase in Americans' weight over the years has played a role. Big trucks and SUVs are often more comfortable for larger people.
- lttlrck 3y ago
  They're more comfortable full stop. And you feel safer, even if that is (maybe) an illusion. I prefer sedans, but longer distance traveling is very nice in my wife's mid-sized SUV.
- nullindividual 3y ago
  No, the reaction by truck manufactures (Ford, etc.) was to switch from a "passenger car" chassis, which is regulated under CAFE, to a "light truck" chassis, which isn't. Remember that the PT Cruiser was classified as a "light truck". I think we can all agree that in no way shape or form would the average person believe the PT Cruiser was a truck. https://www.thedrive.com/news/small-cars-are-getting-huge-are-fuel-economy-regulations-to-blame https://www.thedrive.com/news/small-cars-are-getting-huge-ar... https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/10/how-cafe-killed-compact-trucks-and-station-wagons/ https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/10/how-cafe-killed-co... > Under CAFE, vehicles can be labeled “passenger cars” or “light trucks”, with the latter category required to meet less stringent standards for fuel economy and CO2 emissions. A decade ago, the Chrysler PT Cruiser was the most egregious example of this.
- genocidicbunny 3y ago
  > Big trucks and SUVs are often more comfortable for larger people. This plays some part in it. I am fairly tall, and have longer legs, and there are sedans that I simply cannot fit into because they do not have enough room for my legs. Nevermind a coupe of any kind. I do have a pet theory that part of the problem with bad drivers, especially inattentive drivers is that they're far too comfortable in their cars. They sit in a big cushy drivers seat with gods-knows-how-many adjustment zones, in-seat heating, cooling..massage even. Driving becomes a time to relax rather than a time to concentrate.
- thomastjeffery 3y ago
  I'm 6'2" and weigh 250lbs. My Honda Civic has no problem whatsoever accommodating my size.
quantified 3y ago
The result of loopholes in regulations.

cdolan 3y ago

Great example of unintended consequences

kyrra 3y ago

EPA is trying to close that loophole: https://www.wired.com/story/the-us-wants-to-close-the-suv-loophole-that-supersized-cars/ https://www.wired.com/story/the-us-wants-to-close-the-suv-lo... Washington Post predicted this 12 years ago: https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/cafe-loophole-could-lead-to-bigger-cars/2011/12/14/gIQA3bGLuO_blog.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/cafe-lo...

lamontcg 3y ago
That wasn't new in 2012, I can remember it being discussed back in 2006 and that SUV graph continues back in time to around 1985-1990 or so. Doubt they manage to close the loophole, it is too profitable.

missingcolours 3y ago

I also wonder if the increase in Americans' weight over the years has played a role. Big trucks and SUVs are often more comfortable for larger people.

lttlrck 3y ago
They're more comfortable full stop. And you feel safer, even if that is (maybe) an illusion. I prefer sedans, but longer distance traveling is very nice in my wife's mid-sized SUV.
nullindividual 3y ago
No, the reaction by truck manufactures (Ford, etc.) was to switch from a "passenger car" chassis, which is regulated under CAFE, to a "light truck" chassis, which isn't. Remember that the PT Cruiser was classified as a "light truck". I think we can all agree that in no way shape or form would the average person believe the PT Cruiser was a truck. https://www.thedrive.com/news/small-cars-are-getting-huge-are-fuel-economy-regulations-to-blame https://www.thedrive.com/news/small-cars-are-getting-huge-ar... https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/10/how-cafe-killed-compact-trucks-and-station-wagons/ https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/10/how-cafe-killed-co... > Under CAFE, vehicles can be labeled “passenger cars” or “light trucks”, with the latter category required to meet less stringent standards for fuel economy and CO2 emissions. A decade ago, the Chrysler PT Cruiser was the most egregious example of this.
genocidicbunny 3y ago
> Big trucks and SUVs are often more comfortable for larger people. This plays some part in it. I am fairly tall, and have longer legs, and there are sedans that I simply cannot fit into because they do not have enough room for my legs. Nevermind a coupe of any kind. I do have a pet theory that part of the problem with bad drivers, especially inattentive drivers is that they're far too comfortable in their cars. They sit in a big cushy drivers seat with gods-knows-how-many adjustment zones, in-seat heating, cooling..massage even. Driving becomes a time to relax rather than a time to concentrate.
thomastjeffery 3y ago
I'm 6'2" and weigh 250lbs. My Honda Civic has no problem whatsoever accommodating my size.

quantified 3y ago

The result of loopholes in regulations.