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Posted By MyWayOnNow 1 year, 3 months ago in News
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Senators reached agreement Thursday on a proposal to increase to 35 miles per gallon, the first significant boost demanded of automakers in nearly 20 years.

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Comments So Far: 123
  • 100%
    Harbeas1 year, 3 months ago

    The American auto industry is the most highly regulated industry around. It won't take much to bring it down. We are blaming the wrong party here. It is us, with our insatiable desire to consume energy at a very unsustainable rate. If we are going to force the auto companies to do this, I hope the consumer is ready to foot the bill. The price will be nasty.

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      santa01 year, 3 months ago

      maybe... but my 20 mile per gallon pick up truck 'll sure hold its value when a comparable one brand new breaks 30k dollars.

      Reply

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      GODIMMAD1 year, 3 months ago

      I kinda agree except within reason of the more you sell, the more you produce..the more you produce you find new ways of making things cheaper...Which means you can sell more. The $30 union boys have almost shut down the auto industry in America. Strangely that the countries that dont support Unions have had a chance to look in the eviro area. At this point, I should say, Im a Union member of the BCTGM. Is the Unions just getting in the way or do they expect too much. Unions where once needed here! But since the feds agreed that they need to have laws on safety, work practices, ages of work, and of the such, that the union loved. The unions are out of the question. Why do you think union have decided the cheap labor of illegals is worth fighting for. They need the money to survive bc our govt is doing their jobs and they need a new money making scheme! The public gets what they want. Call the Companies in a mass like we have on the illegals...and we will get better results.

      Reply

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    • 100%
      mark-stevens1 year, 3 months ago

      WHAT??? We use less gas, the price of gas goes up. The Middle East boys will raise their prices. Nuclear research and terorism is not cheap!

      Reply
      • 100%
        msaleem1 year, 3 months ago

        How about Google and the quest for the 100 mpg electric car?

        Banned URL

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      • 0%
        browntiger1 year, 3 months ago

        > The price will be nasty....

        Oh p l e a s e,

        hybrid cost what 4k, uses 30% less gas. If mass produced prices likely to drop.

        Let repukes cry....

        >It won't take much to bring it down.

        Ha ha ha. Ford, GM Chevy are Loosers with capital L. Not sure what car they make that I would want?

        GM had ev1, it had market. Consumers liked it. So GM killed it. Fine GM make more Hummers, see how long you will be in business. What is more amazing GM asia models looks cool.

        Why GM, why are you making that old crap that noone wants?

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          wtagg1 year, 3 months ago

          I'd love for GM to explain the EV1 fiasco.

          Toyota grabbed the hybrid technology after GM discarded it and then GM complained when the Prius suddenly became the car to have. I have no pity for management that has absolutely no vision, especially at the pay scale they are at. If you make your bed, you have to expect to sleep in it.

          Gas mileage isn't really any better than it was in 1977. It is obvious that the industry needs some *inspiration* to do something about it. They've got 13 years. They should stop complaining and start doing.

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          7 Replies

        • 100%
          santa01 year, 3 months ago

          cars that no one wants?

          they still sell more cars than anyone else in america. by A LOT!

          their cars arent the problem with their profits, its the deals they made with auto unions. and their attempt to honor their word in keeping factories in america.

          they lose billions in american wages, and poorly contracted severence packages.

          GM stupidly agreed to pay the employees of closed factories full salary to stay in their home towns and perform community service. thats true. doesnt really sound like a smart business move does it? think that might have something to do with thier profit margin?

          and the ev1 wasnt a hybrid. and it wasnt profitable. and it only works if there is a battery plug in every where youre going. and those only exist in california basically. and like 2 per garage.

          and the oil industry would pay billions more than the car would ever profit just for GM NOT to offer the technology.

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          KSUmarksman1 year, 3 months ago

          none of my business of course, but my guess is you wouldn't know comfort if it came up behind you and kicked you in the kiester.

          I drive an older ('99) Bonneville and the 'rents recently got my brother a new G6 (which I got to break in)

          Both of these "cars no one wants" are more comfortable, especially on long highway trips, than any jap-trap I had the misfortune of riding in. They are also faster and have better handling : )

          Reply
        • 0%
          MnaGopaleen1 year, 3 months ago

          The Model T got 17mpg.

          Are you telling me that it takes a century to increase the efficiency of technology? Were it not for the influence of big oil, cars would hover above the roadways by now. Losers with a capital L, in collusion with a capital C.

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          2 Replies

          • 0%
            santa01 year, 3 months ago

            the model t wasnt designed to handle a 100,000 mile warranty lugging around air bags, a california emissions standard, crumple front end technology, shatter proof glass, reverse tourque wheel bolts, anti-lock disc breaks, a fuel injection, a flame proof gas tank, steel re-inforced side impact rails, seat belts, posi-traction, ... ... ...

            oh...

            and the model T went 0-60 in about... never.

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            1 Reply

        • 100%
          Bluecollardem1 year, 3 months ago

          Heh. Wonder what's gonna happen to the new Hummer dealer I pass on my commute everyday.

          Reply

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            whatever20001 year, 3 months ago

            Nothing. Americans will continue to put status over pragmatism every time. People will continue to buy them and blame their favorite scapegoat. We all know who that is.

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            3 Replies

          • 100%
            saneman1 year, 3 months ago

            If they really want to drive a tank (Hummer), they should join the military. Hummers look like box cars that kids use to make out of paper years ago.

            Reply
          • 0%
            Gangrene1 year, 3 months ago

            Another group of senators, including Michigan Democrats Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, have pressed for a less stringent proposal supported by automakers that would allow SUVs and small trucks to achieve 30 mpg and postpone the mandate to 2025.

            2025?!? now there's some hopeful thinking, between now and then Gas prices could be 10 times what they are now. But what can you expect from Michigan senators. They're already in the automotive industries pocket.

            Reply

            3 Replies

            • 100%
              jaern1 year, 3 months ago

              They're funded by the UAW. By 2010 there will be unsellable SUVs and trucks on lots all over the country. Dealerships are offering huge deals to move them off the lot right now and having trouble.

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          • 0%
            djn3nunez31 year, 3 months ago

            The Automakers and oil companies love Ronnie Raygun and will likely look for another champion to find a way around any constriction. No wonder they want to put him on the twenty dollar bill.

            Isn't Ronnie responsible for reversing the conservation measures Carter (the farmer they love to denig?) tried to implement after the first oil crisis in the 70's?

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            • 0%
              Lurch1 year, 3 months ago

              Yes, the oil companies couldn`t stand the idea of actual competition cutting into their oligopolistic profits. So they bought themselves a president and congress to shut down Carter`s energy policy.

              Carter knew that alternative energies were a matter of national defense, something today`s Republicans still have not grasped, even after all these years, wars, and terror deaths.

              Reply

              3 Replies

            • 100%
              xxxr776671 year, 3 months ago

              Alternative fuels started during the Regan administration. In fact thats when much of it started you just don't hear much about it since there wasn't anything to go on it took along time to get results you could tell the news about. Also the EPA was started under Nixons administration not Carters. My father in the first group of people assigned to alternative fuels research. Nixon signed off on handing out scholorships to the best minds in the country, they were in colledge when Carter was President and graduateed in time for Regan. They used charts for livestock breedingto help them get started, as they were the closest thing to making more effecent hybred fuels. Also the Arabs like many others were waist deep in genocide long before anyone knew oil was valuable and would still be killing even if oil was worthless. There is tons of oil in Canada and in many parts of Africa and South America. The only Violence if any in these places is aimed at the oil companies, not the consumers.

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          • 0%
            SS4541 year, 3 months ago

            Wa Wa Wa that is what we all have goten from the big 3 for the past 20 years.Its always we cant.......well its time you do it!Car companys are just like the Goverment never ever do it always trying to find a way around the problem.GM is the biggest Problem of them all.Keep making Truks so big that they can pull a house wil a wopping 20 MPG.The go on tv and tell the world we make great Cars and they get great MPG...Ja Right

            and my name is JESUS...(Ops dont tell the Christian Right that im Back)The long and the short of it...GETER DONE!

            Reply

            2 Replies

            • 100%
              spikecwc1 year, 3 months ago

              Large trucks do have what is considered "utility value".

              Construction companies needs them. Many small businesses need them. They are necessary to pull a private 5th wheel trailer or a large recreational boat.

              There will always be a need for a truck in between the minitruck and a full sized semi tractor trailer rig.

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              1 Reply

          • 100%
            Lurch1 year, 3 months ago

            Check this guy out. Typical Republican, 100% bought and paid for or he doesn`t have a clue how the free market works.

            "When you put a tax on a business it gets passed on to consumers," argued Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz. "Instead of reducing gasoline prices, this bill is going to add to the cost of gasoline."

            Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., whose Finance Committee crafted the tax package, said the incentives for renewable and alternative fuels would "help wean ourselves away from OPEC ... from these very high gas prices."

            The tax changes would have channeled $11 billion over 10 years into development of renewable fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and power from wind turbines. [end]

            Uh, can someone please explain how competition works to the Republican Senator from Arizona?

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            2 Replies

            • 0%
              nostalgia1 year, 3 months ago

              You need to look at the entire debate on the energy bill.

              Several amendments were offered (these were offered while I was watching):

              More refineries and drilling to bring down gas prices in the short term - NO

              Allow the state of VA to determine if they would allow drilling off of their coast - NO

              Set aside the ethanol production targets in years when there was a poor corn crop from droughts, floods etc in order to avoid food and livestock feed shortages - NO

              End result - you will get relief from high gas and oil prices in 10 years

              In years when there is a problem and the corn crop affected - higher food prices

              End subsidies for the oil industry - higher costs in the short term

              Now if you can just hang on for 10 years, you'll be OK

              The energy problem needs to be addressed in the short AND long term

              As usual Congrsss is missing half of the equation

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              • 0%
                spikecwc1 year, 3 months ago

                Kyl is in favor of the Senate's Scamnesty bill as well. Seems he can't do anything right

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              • 100%
                xxxr776671 year, 3 months ago

                Remember that while Hummer, Excurtions and Navigators are usless people still need trucks. You can't tow 10,000lbs with a camry. 35mpg good luck getting your prius pulled out of a ditch, because with the nessasary weight of the winches and other tools, there is no way your can get a tow truck to get 35 mpg. Some people need large veichles, but others don't. People who need big trucks for work should be put in a differant catagory from the toyota seqoia owners. Also some places in the winter you need a truck or other large 4x4. Not in the cities, but way out in the country. There are some days that you can't get to work in any car. If you try it unprepared you could get stranded and freeze to death.

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                • 0%
                  xxxr776671 year, 3 months ago

                  It's not an uncommon sight in Minnesota to see a family who drive compact cars to also have a suberban or bronco, because we need them in flooded areas, deep with mud or in deep snow. Many of us need to plow our own drive ways some times over a half mile long. You can't attach a several hundered pound plow to a civic an plow through four feet of slush. Also Semi's ?????????? What are we going to chain prius's together to deliver goods, because with as many as yout would need you'd end up using even more gas than before. I think that alternative fuels is amuch more realalistic idea. It's 2:30 am I know my spelling is bad.

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                  • 0%
                    saneman1 year, 3 months ago

                    I am in favor of getting the long haul Semi's off the roads and using freight trains. Semi's ruin the highways and they cause accidents.

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                • 100%
                  saneman1 year, 3 months ago

                  Wow, 35 mpg, what an achievement! Let's all stand up and give an arousing ovation for a country at one time long, long ago was a technology leader. Boy, how things soon change. There are cars driven in Europe which get 100 mpg or more. Now that would be something to be proud of.

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                  • 100%
                    spikecwc1 year, 3 months ago

                    There are not any trucks that do, I'll bet

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                  • 0%
                    KSUmarksman1 year, 3 months ago

                    I'd like to see some support for that 100mpg statement buddy.

                    The most efficient car I've found is the VW Lupo:

                    http://www.usatoday.com/money/consumer/autos/ma...

                    It makes 70mpg (or 3L/100kilometer if you speak European)

                    here are some excerpts about what a "wonderful" auto it is:

                    "One way to cut fuel consumption is to eliminate the weight and power drain of accessories. So the 3L Lupo had no air conditioning, no power steering, no anything. You can add such options, but there'd go your three-liter claim."

                    "Not only did the seats turn torturous after about 90 minutes, a cup holder came apart in the first 10 miles. The economy-enhancing, easy-rolling tires and lightweight suspension transmitted not just noise but a roar to the passenger compartment on cobblestones, bricks and rough asphalt."

                    Would you drive a car like that? Now be honest

                    Reply

                    4 Replies

                • 100%
                  jaern1 year, 3 months ago

                  Earlier Thursday, Senate Democrats fell three votes short of the 60 they needed to advance a tax package that would have levied $29 billion in new taxes on the oil industry to pay for development of renewable fuels and clean energy programs.

                  Theere's the downfall to our civilization.

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                  2 Replies

                  • 100%
                    spikecwc1 year, 3 months ago

                    As has been said before, the costs will be passed on to the consumers. It would be yet another nail in the coffin of the American automobile industry

                    Reply

                    1 Reply

                • 100%
                  spikecwc1 year, 3 months ago

                  Everybody should realize that this is all the fault of US foreign policy. Since there have not been any World Wars since the middle of the 20th century, the World's population has soared. More people means more natural resources are consumed. If the US pulls out of its bases around the world like Ron Paul wants, maybe a nice little world wide conflagration will occur, killing hundreds of millions.

                  Then we won't be using so much oil.

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                  • 100%
                    LARK1 year, 3 months ago

                    I have been a strong believer in tree trade and free competition, maybe brainwashed by those American business reviews. Now, seeing all the grumbling bla bla bla, I've second thoughts about it. Maybe we should all consider having all people and products within national boundaries, and no wars or bullets between them. How would the world be like? May not be a bad idea. What about making some simulations? --- Every nation, keep your people and products within your boundaries except for tourists, visits, communication and the like. You may cooperate and learn from each other, so you won't be overtaken by monkeys. But, keep your people and products within. Mind your own business, stay out of the business of other nations. The baseline is, there should be peace, no killing. Think about it. Does this make sense? I really don't know. Neither do I know about all those complaints.

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                    1 Reply

                    • 100%
                      spikecwc1 year, 3 months ago

                      I hope you are not serious. No country has all the natural resources it needs within its own borders except the US and Russia.

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                    • 100%
                      LARK1 year, 3 months ago

                      sorry the previous post should belong to another thread.

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                      • 100%
                        tclaw991 year, 3 months ago

                        The only thing they are going to raise is the amount of money in their own pockets!! ITS THAT PLAIN AND SIMPLE! There is no more trusting this government!

                        Reply
                        • 100%
                          Harbeas1 year, 3 months ago

                          Browntiger where have you been? What hybrid costs 4k? all the hybrids are considerably more costly than conventional. The buying public doesn't want hybrids. They want the ridiculous tanks. While GM(Ford and Chrysler too) made junk back in the 50's, 60's and 70's that is not the case today. Check out the latest quality and efficiency surveys on the American made vehicles today. You don't see any GM cars that interest you, I don't see any foreign that interest me. If we lose the American auto industry we lose 50% of our manufacturing base. The AMerican auto industry is trying to right it's ship, but it needs a little help from our government. Most foreign companies give many breaks to their industries so they can compete and the results are quite impressive.

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                          • 0%
                            sailr1 year, 3 months ago

                            The Republicans defeated every meaningful part of the bill. They are bought and paid for by big business, big oil, big auto, etc. etc.

                            THROW THEM OUT IN '08 so we can get down to business of what is good for the PEOPLE, not just the rich!

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                            3 Replies

                            • 100%
                              saintetienne1 year, 3 months ago

                              sailr,

                              Don't like it? Make your point by getting out of your car and commuting, walking, riding a bike or carpooling. That will deliver a good, swift, instantaneous kick to the balls of "big business, big oil, big auto, etc."

                              You talk a good game, but I bet you fully support "big business, big oil, big auto, etc." by driving an SUV to work every day.

                              Am I right?

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                          • 0%
                            toph19731 year, 3 months ago

                            This won't kill the auto industry. Somehow, European cars have had at least this gas mileage for years. I sure didn't hear about VW, Renault, Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, Opel, or any of the other automakers in Europe going broke. I do pray this is the death of the SUV though.