Diesel 4runner??

[gonzo]

i think that fuel efficiency and the size of vehicles are directly related to fuel costs. for example, fuel is a little more expensive in canada, so fuel efficiency (as represented by the type of vehicles driven) is a little more of a priority. fuel costs a lot more in europe, so fuel efficiency is a lot more of a priority.

there are of course other factors at play, such as not wanting to get crushed by your neighbor's behemoth suv, however, you are off target to suggest that "if i can afford it, who cares?" is simply an american motto. i would suggest that is a global motto. if you were to decrease the cost of fuel in britain, while simultaneously limiting access to alternate methods of transportation, decentralizing the city, and increasing the standard of living, what do you think would happen? cars would get bigger! small vehicles in europe are not a result of a minimalist european mentality, they are a result of numerous factors including fuel costs.

that being said, it is amazing how quickly the market responds to economic changes, and equally amazing how quickly the market forgets. suv sales have already rebounded since fuel prices have come down from $3.00 per gallon.

 

[Offroader]

It's also a matter of attitude.

Here's a list of present and goal mpg of different regions of the world:

Present mpg Goal mpg (2008)
USA 22 24
Canada 25 30
Australia 28 34
China 29 36
European Union 37 44
Japan 46 47

They U.S. government say "you can't protect the environment too much without threatening the economy and threatening the automakers, because automakers from China might come and steal our markets."

Well, the U.S. automakers can't sell their cars in China, because they don't meet their standards.

California has taken an initiative to have higher-mileage cars sold in California starting in 2009.

Now the automakers have sued California to prevent this law from taking effect.

No wonder the U.S.A. is the only country in the world where Diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline.

 

[Dr. John]

When comparing MPG figures from different parts of the world it is important to remember that there is a difference in size between American gallons and Imperial gallons.

 

[Offroader]

Wrong. These figures are standardized by CAFE-converted mpg. They're accurate, taken from the Kyoto protocol agreement to reduce greenhouse emission gases, signed by more than 160 countries worldwide. The only two developed countries that did not signed were Australia and U.S.A.

When comparing MPG figures from different parts of the world it is important to remember that there is a difference in size between American gallons and Imperial gallons.

 

[Dr. John]

With great respect