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CAFE, the corporate average fuel economy rules, have been under fire almost since they were first implemented.
The rules have remainedfrozen rather than rising each year to match technological advances as originally intended, and automakers have been able to violate the rules without real penalty. GM, Ford, and Chrysler are opposed to the rules because they lose money on cars, but make money on their larger, less efficient trucks. GM and Ford have both pledged dramatic increases in gas mileage, but still oppose regulations which would hold them to their word. The automakers claim that CAFE has been ineffective, because gas mileage is decreasing and dependence on foreign oil is increasing - though that is largely because automakers have resisted strongly any attempts to close the "SUV loophole" which allows trucks, minivans, and crossovers to get an average of 20.7 mpg as opposed to cars, which must have an average of 27.5 mpg. (Another loophole allows very large, inefficient trucks to be exempt even if they are driven as commuter vehicles). The current administration seems unlikely to close the loophole or raise the standards.
In the same week that the Jeep Cherokee finally went out of production, NHTSA released its rollover ratings - two stars, about average for its vehicle class (Detroit News headlined its story "second lowest rating," which is true but somewhat misleading). Meanwhile, we have heard that buyers are very interested in the new Liberty.
Two weeks ago, we put up a small survey of questions to ask Chrysler. Earlier today, we received a response from Ann Smith, communications manager for the small car platforms (Neon, PT Cruiser, and coupes). Though she could not comment on future products, there were some areas where she provided new (to us) information. Among other things, she said that, at the moment, the Neon platform is up in the air, but it seems likely that Mitsubishi will take the lead on development - though with Chrysler having a substantial input on their own cars. She could not provide more detail (though we asked several times, several ways), and said the details were still under discussion. She confirmed that the PT Cruiser would see derivative versions, once supply met demand. She also implied that there would be some changes to the 2002 Neon, though she did not comment on what those would be. (A four-speed automatic has been rumored, but she did not comment on the possibilities). Ms. Smith also said that the Belvedere plant would certainly be kept active, and made more flexible as time went on - though, again, what exactly would be made there is a matter for conjecture. In all, she seemed to be very positive and upbeat about the future of Chrysler and its products, and we got the impression there would be more coming down the pike than we anticipated. We also think the future may hold more opportunities for discussion with people at Chrysler Communications. We will post more details later - stay tuned.
http://community.webshots.com/user/vinceburl app claims to have photos of future cars. Hard to say if these are real or the result of playing in Photoshop, but they include a Neon-styled test car based on the Lancer [better looking than the real current Neon], the CS, revised Aztek, and 2003 Prius. Judge for yourself.
The 5-door subcompact, powered by a 1.3 liter engine, is to be sold in Europe as the Jazz (a name borrowed from one of Chrysler's concept cars) and in Japan as the Fit.
Consumer Reports recently reported that the Mitsubishi Montero is "not acceptable" due to potential rollover. The magazine lost a lawsuit brought by Suzuki after reporting that a small Suzuki SUV was not acceptable due to high rollover risk, but Suzuki was only awarded a token amount.
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