by Admin | Dec 20, 2023 | Car Blog
Of course, we all remember when trucks and SUVs were mostly for folks who needed to haul stuff for work? Today, huge trucks cram highways for basic errands while sedans become endangered species. Americans love their cars big and a federal loophole is partly to blame for this truck takeover!
Where it All Started
See, back in the 1970s when emissions rules were cooked up, trucks got leniency since only contractors and ranchers drove them. Made sense then – why stick farmers with strict rules meant for everyday cars?
Fast forward to 2010, and the EPA extended this “SUV loophole” so automakers could sell bigger “light trucks” with lower emission standards. Automakers started pushing truck-like crossovers and smaller SUVs to bring down their overall fleet emissions.
Ten years later, trucks account for 3 in 5 new vehicles sold, while cars plummeted from half of sales to just 1 in 5. Crazy!
This explosion of SUVs and trucks hurts more than just the planet. Studies show bigger vehicles lead to more deadly crashes with pedestrians and bikers. Plus they guzzle way more gas, contributing to climate change.
But the EPA’s latest proposal aims to close this SUV loophole by making emission rules for cars and trucks more similar. No more easy passes for automakers. This could deter them from supersizing future vehicles quite so much.
When Can We Expect the Rules to Change?
One thing is clear, the truckification trend will not reverse overnight.
Consumers love the size and perceived safety of SUVs. And they rake in huge profits for automakers over smaller cars.
But closing the loophole will push automakers to electrify their massive gas-guzzlers. And over time, it could put smaller vehicles back on the menu.
by Admin | Sep 5, 2023 | Car Blog
Once in a while, some old fashion or designs will trend in modern times. It almost seems like our tastes and preferences keep repeating themselves. And this is precisely what’s happening in the automotive world with the latest resurgence of retro-inspired designs in modern cars, and it’s awesome.
Why Retro in Modern Vehicles?
There are a few reasons why retro-modern car design is so popular. For example, it appeals to a sense of nostalgia. Many people have fond memories of classic cars from their childhood, and they are drawn to the styling of these cars. We all remember a past where everything seemed better.
On the other hand, retro-modern design can be seen as a way to add a touch of luxury to a car. Classic cars are often seen as more luxurious than modern cars, and by incorporating classic design elements, automakers can give their cars a more upscale feel.
But more importantly, a retro-modern design can be a way to pay homage to a car’s heritage. Many automakers have a rich history of producing classic vehicles, and by incorporating elements of classic design into their modern cars, they can celebrate their heritage.
Examples of Retro-modern Cars
First, there’s the Mini Cooper, a classic car updated with modern features. While the car’s retro design is instantly recognizable, its latest version has modern amenities like a turbocharged engine and a touchscreen infotainment system.
And so does Fiat 500. This classic needs no introduction, and it’s a good thing it has earned some modern features. The car’s retro design is iconic and has been a popular choice for car buyers since it was first introduced in 2007.
Of course, we cannot forget the Volkswagen Beetle, which rumors indicate will return soon. The iconic Beetle! The Volkswagen Beetle was refreshed with modern features in recent years and now comes with features like a turbocharged engine and a sunroof. A dose of retro has quickly become a dose of the exciting! And we can only rejoice when it becomes available.
