The only reason for this big push is so they look like they are doing
something about gas prices, since they can't peg the high gas prices on
big Oil. So instead they are beating the Auto Industry into a pulp, with
the American Auto Industry being the main focus of their hatred.
Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid used harsh language to say that senators didn't find automakers credible suggested auto companies "misrepresented the facts" at time."We don't believe you anymore,'" Reid said. "The answer is we've had
enough. It's time the American automobile manufacturers join with the rest of the world in recognizing that people want to buy more fuel
efficient cars."(emphasis mine)
Toyota, Honda and 9 other Auto Makers are on the side of the American Auto
Makers saying the Senate is setting unrealistic expectations and will cost
Auto Makers Billions of dollars to meet those standards.
So it isn't just the American Auto Makers "lying" about the unrealistic
expectations of the do-gooders in the Senate.
General Motors spokesman Greg Martin expressed the company's disappointment."In their rush to do something, Congress should take the same oath as
doctors: 'First, do no harm,'" Martin said. "We'll continue to press our
case hard that we can work with them to get improved fuel economy levels
without the unintended costs to the industry and consumers."Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers -- the trade group that represents the Detroit Three,
Toyota and BMW among 9 automakers -- offered a conciliatory statement."Automakers support improving national fuel economy standards,
" McCurdy said in a statement. "This is a long process, and we are
continuing to work constructively to develop reasonable fuel economy
standards that are affordable and preserve the cars and light trucks
that farmers, tradesmen, business owners, outdoor enthusiasts and
families need every day."Ford and Toyota also made similar points.
Toyota's group vice president for government and industry affairs,
o Cooper, said the Senate bill would be "extremely challenging" for the
Japanese automaker."The 35 mpg target in the Senate energy bill represents a very
aggressive target for automakers," Cooper said. "Toyota will continue
to work constructively with lawmakers and remain involved in the process
of passing workable legislation." (emphasis mine)
This bill is eccecially the Senate telling people they are not allowed to own
trucks or SUV's and that everyone should be driving electric vehicles.
Not to mention that one of the major ways to increase fuel economy is to
take weight out of vehicles. Taking weight out of vehicles means not using
steel but using aluminum and other such materials to make the vehicles, which
will make the vehicles less safe.