Profiles in weaseldom
Global warming – even oil company execs admit it is real, heck, even George Bush admits it. Our dependence on imported oil and refined gasoline – big problem. So, now would be one of those great moments when the inspired leadership of our auto manufacturers could step forward, take the lead and capture the imagination of a nation by embracing, no – proposing new and higher standards of efficiency for cars, SUVs and light trucks. And, of course, the Democratic leadership, eager to signal a change of direction could get on board with it.
No, forget that. The New York Times reports (June 7, page c1) that auto execs have landed in Washington to oppose a proposal to make a 27% improvement in gas mileage over the next 13 years – which works out to about a 2% a year improvement. 2% a year would “gravely damage” the industry. 2%. And this after years of mileage actually going down – so it’s not is if this effort comes after some Herculean effort.
Gosh, I guess the US automakers must have the most incompetent engineering staffs in the entire world – if they haven’t laid them off already. They can’t manage 2% a year improvement.
No wonder the world is eating them for lunch.