While most of the political debate is tied to how much government is the right amount of government, the role government plays in shaping the playing field ought to receive more attention than it does. And when the government gets it right, that ought to be celebrated.
Take fuel-mileage standards, for example.
Detroit’s engineers are a talented bunch, as are engineers in the automotive fields in most major countries. The number of features in the dashboard of a modern vehicle combine the comforts of home and office, if not the kitchen. Dozens and dozens of features, sometimes daunting in their operation, are standard and make driving more comfortable and safer.
When it comes to fuel mileage, the federal government does not deserve credit for every advance in miles per gallon. Improved mileage is one of the bedrocks of vehicle design.
But there has been nothing like the periodic federal mileage standard increases to unleash engineering talents. With standards set by the federal government that have to be met by every manufacturer, there are measurable goals and that all-important level playing field.
“Unleashing” is the correct term. Engineers live for challenges, and making significant steps toward meeting federal fuel goals were and are big ones. Motors with new construction and features have become smaller and use less fuel, but they still produce the same or more horsepower than their larger predecessors – and greater drivability. Transmissions now have eight speeds rather than four or five. Vehicle weight, which kills fuel mileage, has in many cases declined even as creature comfort features have been added. The ratio between vehicle weight and the weight of its passenger, say 3,700 pounds and 175 pounds, still is considerable but it is getting marginally better.
For good reason, much currently is being made of the aluminum-bodied Ford pickup which has shed hundreds of pounds and with a smaller V6 still performs as well as its heavier and larger-motored (and thirstier) predecessor. Pickups made by Detroit (and Toyota) are a very good place to make popular improvements. They are a favorite purchase and are nicely profitable.
Expect to see more double-digit weight savings in the heaviest vehicles.
The average fleet mileage required today is 25.5 miles per gallon. Ten years from now, the number is slightly more than twice that at 54.5 miles per gallon.
That looks to be an extraordinary increase, and it may be. But with more autos that have an electric component, generate power when brakes are applied, squeeze more power from smaller motors and run on fewer cylinders under moderate loads, that can be possible. And, vehicle weights will come down.
The point is that only some of these advances would have occurred without federal intervention. Marketplace pressures alone would not have produced the same beneficial results. Too many factors go into deciding which vehicle to purchase for fuel economy to dominate, and manufacturers would have put some of their investments in technology elsewhere – or not at all. A single manufacturer would not have unilaterally worked to gain maximum fuel mileage as all are doing now. The investment in research and experimentation is too great when the returns are uncertain.
Fuel mileage may not be the most important characteristic for many new vehicle purchasers, but because of the federal mandates, buyers know they are receiving just about the best in that category that manufacturers can do at this time. That leaves buyers free to enjoy weighing other vehicle factors that best fit individual or family wants and needs.
This country is making great strides in using less energy, and the federal fuel-mileage requirements continue to be a major component.