Quote:
1976 model-year cars, on average, emit 155 times more
hydrocarbons per mile than new vehicles and, despite their very
much smaller share of the vehicle population, continue to emit
two to three times the volume of pollutants in aggregate. By
2010, pre-1982 cars (those that would be exempt from smog check
at that time under current law) will account for 22% of the
hydrocarbons and 11% of the NOx emissions despite representing
only 2.6% of the vehicle population and 1.3% of the vehicle
miles traveled.
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this was part of CA senate summary for the recent Ca bill to repeal thier 30 year rolling exemption.
the other thing that needs brough to light is that Fuel economy and emissions are not linked. Europes high fuel economy cvars will not pass emissions here. Take the motor out of the H2, drop it in a corvette and you will see 30mpg. the H2's dismal fuel economy comes form its weight and aerodynamics of a garage door.
as for the whole SUV thing, they work for some and not for others. i got one cherokee i use as a utility vehicle (ie takig the dog to the beach, or getting stuff formt he store) and a RX-7 to drive around for fun. however i can appreciate the popularity of the SUV, as it is quite versatile.