BMW calls CAFE standards 'not feasible'
07-02-08 | 06:04 AM
#1
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BMW calls CAFE standards 'not feasible'
BMW calls CAFE 'not feasible'
Posted Jul 2nd 2008 8:26AM
Earlier this year, the Bush administration surprised a lot of green activists by actually surpassing the already challenging CAFE standards for 2011-2015. While automakers like Toyota, Ford, and GM are quietly going about the business of hitting those targets, BMW is speaking up and saying that the targets are unattainable. The German automaker has asked the Bush administration for an alternative plan that helps out the hardest hit automakers, and the new rules are a punch to the gut for the Bavarian Motor crew.
While the corporate average for cars and trucks is 35.7 mpg and 28.6 mpg by 2015, BMW has to hit 37.7 mpg and 31.7 mpg, respectively. The reason for the disparity is the sliding scale the government used to account for differences in size in each automaker's lineup. Since BMW doesn't sell pickup trucks and it has plenty of small and midsize offerings, BMW has to hit higher fuel economy standards. What the CAFE numbers don't take into account is the fact that all BMWs are RWD, and there isn't a four cylinder engine to be found (in the U.S., yet). The Bush administration says its final fuel economy numbers will become public by the end of the year, and if companies like BMW don't get special dispensations, look for there to be smaller engines on the horizion, or bigger fines.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Posted Jul 2nd 2008 8:26AM
Earlier this year, the Bush administration surprised a lot of green activists by actually surpassing the already challenging CAFE standards for 2011-2015. While automakers like Toyota, Ford, and GM are quietly going about the business of hitting those targets, BMW is speaking up and saying that the targets are unattainable. The German automaker has asked the Bush administration for an alternative plan that helps out the hardest hit automakers, and the new rules are a punch to the gut for the Bavarian Motor crew.
While the corporate average for cars and trucks is 35.7 mpg and 28.6 mpg by 2015, BMW has to hit 37.7 mpg and 31.7 mpg, respectively. The reason for the disparity is the sliding scale the government used to account for differences in size in each automaker's lineup. Since BMW doesn't sell pickup trucks and it has plenty of small and midsize offerings, BMW has to hit higher fuel economy standards. What the CAFE numbers don't take into account is the fact that all BMWs are RWD, and there isn't a four cylinder engine to be found (in the U.S., yet). The Bush administration says its final fuel economy numbers will become public by the end of the year, and if companies like BMW don't get special dispensations, look for there to be smaller engines on the horizion, or bigger fines.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
07-02-08 | 06:10 AM
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From: The Woodlands, TX
awwwwwe, too bad for BMW 
IMO, just becuz you have $$$$$$$$$$ doesn't mean you should be able to drive a 5mpg car; you're screwing America by doing this.
just my .02
IMO, just becuz you have $$$$$$$$$$ doesn't mean you should be able to drive a 5mpg car; you're screwing America by doing this.
just my .02
Last edited by bagwell; 07-02-08 at 08:49 AM.
07-02-08 | 06:18 AM
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07-02-08 | 09:07 AM
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I bet your honda tows a old cheap boat pretty well too.........WAIT, we should not be able to do that any longer because it eats up too much gas!
07-02-08 | 10:24 AM
#9
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From: The Woodlands, TX
HELLO --- these are 2011-2015 CAFE standards
since GM/Ford/BMW/ etc won't raise their MPG, they are being forced to...and that's a good thing.
look where GM and Ford are today....why? because their MPG sucks...look at the top selling cars of today...all have great MPG....not that hard to figure....
trailering...here ya go
with an inflatable raft.
07-02-08 | 10:28 AM
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The funny thing is BMW really is speaking on behalf of all luxury makers. So lets say we say "screw BMW" well its not like Caddy or Lincoln is going to make it either.
BMW is right here, those standards are unfeasible in such a short time. Can BMW Coopers be around the corner, lol and they don't even get great mileage.
BMW is right here, those standards are unfeasible in such a short time. Can BMW Coopers be around the corner, lol and they don't even get great mileage.
07-02-08 | 12:24 PM
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I wonder if GM and Ford and Chrysler will be even able to produce pickup trucks that their customer base actually wants--and provide such high MPG.
Otherwise, Bush may just have shoved something unpleasant up America's long-standing industry.
Otherwise, Bush may just have shoved something unpleasant up America's long-standing industry.
07-02-08 | 12:31 PM
#15
Well I guess now mocking Lexus as the overpriced Toyota all of the sudden doesn't seem so funny after all huh?
With the new CAFE Lexus can still go on about its business as long as Toyota is making enough them hybrids but too bad the smaller and luxury-brand centered manufactures like BMW wouldn't have that luxury.
Sa-kah!
With the new CAFE Lexus can still go on about its business as long as Toyota is making enough them hybrids but too bad the smaller and luxury-brand centered manufactures like BMW wouldn't have that luxury.
Sa-kah!