Fuel economy and emissions are completely separate. No one is talking about repealing the latter.

Haha. Okay Mr Social Scientist.

Lusty, more like.

Agreed. But the steering wheel... holy WTFs.

Has anyone considered that we may have reached the point where automakers can’t pass tests and meet regs straight up, and make cars that consumers want, and can afford? Car companies do not operate on high margins, you know.

LOL You really think they haven’t run the math, and tested all sorts of permutations against driving characteristics and consumer preferences?

Not exactly. Many new gizmos weight less than the equipment they replace: the new head units with entertainment and nav weigh less than the old radio they replace. I mean, everywhere you look on a car there’s as much weight savings as can be done without exploding costs. Items needed for safety regs put more…

I think we’re right up against what technology can deliver against current regulations and standards, and what people like, can afford, and will buy.

Here’s the thing we have to face: We’ve reached the point where consumer preferences, technology and regulations can’t intersect with the laws of thermodynamics.

Yes it is. You’re not in “violation” unless all four wheel are over the white line.

Yes. Immediately.

Brilliant

Ethanol yes, and guess why? Its a foolish government scheme. The companies in other industries you mention don’t have “government subsidies” on their PNLs. The big banks...they were all forced to accept (huge) government loans during financial crisis whether they needed them or not. All the money was paid pack with…

My question was about the original auto makers, and you’re talking about national infrastructure projects, and public/private partnerships. Tesla is a luxury car company. Nothing more.

Uh. no. The big three have developed, tested every single piece of technology that people credit Musk for developing...and determined that it was commercially unfeasible. Musk, with the help of piles of you checks from you and me, would come to the same conclusion.

Oil, Gas and other companies don’t “take-in” subsidies..

... no company in history comes even close to the way Tesla offsets its costs on the backs of taxpayers... no property taxes, no payroll taxes no income taxes, $30,000 credits on each car, laws that require other companies to buy your credits...all so that rich people can buy heavily subsidized teched-out luxury cars.…

In what ways were the original auto makers subsidized like Tesla is today?

There’s a political back story to these huge corporate fines—the settlements that are ultimately reached with the Justice Department.

Can you name one, please?