Quote:
Originally Posted by jkennedy293
I don't think your proposal would work. It would take more than two years to engineer existing Fiat models to meet U.S. safety regulations, so your idea of using existing inventories doesn't work.
Also, I wouldn't expect a Democratic President and Congress, that seems to be very pro-environment, to bypass EPA regs allowing more pollutants in the air.
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It would work ... IF ... a reasonably short 24 month
temporary waiver was used. No changes would be required for the "temporary" imports.
It is reasonable to believe that less than 2 million of these "fuel frugal" vehicles could be imported within 24 months. These vehicles would consume less than 1/2 of the fuel required by vehicles being replaced ... and as a result, would subsequently generally have significantly lower emissions.
The concerns would be NOx and particulates. The EU has resolved most of the particulate concerns by using diesel particle filters (DPFs).
It is true that a significant portion of the current 44 plus mpg vehicles are diesel. Have you considered that
Detroit has, on average, been selling between 0.3 and 1 million non Tier 2 Bin 5 compliant diesel "light vehicles" (averaging about 17 mpg) annually for more than 8 years? However, apparently Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and VW FUEL FRUGAL turbo diesels have already successfully achieved California emissions compliance and above 40 mpg, and greater, combined average with Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan and other not far behind!
It is TRUE that engineering would be required to resolve any emissions and safety issues for DOMESTIC manufacture and sale of this class of fuel frugal vehicles.
Of course, maximum profit comes from minimum "development/start-up cost", ie, only re-engineer the things that are absolutely necessary ... if ... the "import version" is well received.
If a specific "temporary" import was not well received, it probably should be dropped unless there is a "simple" fix that would make it acceptable to the general consumer.
They (Chrysler/Fiat, Ford/Mazda/Volvo, GM/Chevy/Saab/Vauxhall/Opell) do have a significant portion of the best fuel frugal machines in Europe.
Just play with these ideas and see ... IF ... there is a way for this to help Detroit to get a leg up in the US market.
Maybe even get back some US market share!