Recently, I've been hearing car manufacturers brag about their new vehicles that get 22 highway miles per gallon or so. Brag? They should be apologizing! I remember my '87 Chevy Sprint, later to become the Geo Metro, that regularly cranked out at least 55mpg! That's pushing the envelope for even today's high tech hybrids (although Toyota is planning the release of a 100+mpg Prius) - and it did it all without expensive electric motors, huge and troublesome batteries and complicated computer controlled regenerative braking. So what happened?
My local auto mechanic tells me the general reduction in miles per gallon over the last couple of decades is due primarily to the addition of all those emission control devices. Really? Since when does consuming more than twice the fuel reduce emissions? I don't know what kind of math Detroit is using but it sure doesn't add up with me.
Frankly, I think "Motor City" and maybe even all the world's car makers are in cahoots with the oil industry. Let's face it, if every car got better than 50mpg, most oil refineries would soon be parking lots! Hey, that would really reduce emissions!
Dave Allen, Radio Daddio
You Found My Missing Links
About Me
- Dave Allen The Radio Daddio
- Waupaca, Wisconsin, United States
- I've been a radio broadcaster since 1966 which means I'm getting up there. Most say I've already arrived. Right now, I'm spinning the best of the 80s, 90s and today in Central Wisconsin on WDUX 92.7 FM. I also produce and host an old time radio show on the Internet appropriately called "The Old Time Radio Show." Everyone asks, "When are you going to retire?" I think they're after my job! Maybe in another 50 or 60 years; right now I'm having way too much fun to call it quits!
