Re: VW hits it\'s C.A.F.E limit for diesel imports....
I am trying to be a god n00b here and not stepping out of line but I am still trying to find a .gov document (web page or otherwise) that shows that CAFE and emissions are tied together. So far, I cannot.
The CAFE standards are *not* complex. They are probably the easiest regulations to understand in terms of the Government. It simply mandates the average fuel economy level a set of cars must meet without penalties from the .gov. The EPA collects the data, the NHTSA runs the data through the formula published in the code, and an average is generated. Not much too it. (Source:
EPA Fuel Economy and Emissions Programs).
The NHTSA is under the Department of Transportation which is not concerned with the emissions of the vehicles, merely their function and most importantly, their safety. Emissions regulations are the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency.
There is no mention anywhere in the CAFE code that I have found on the NHTSA website that regulates emissions. In fact, the only link on the CAFE site about emission are in studies that estimate how much reduction in emissions would occur if certain CAFE levels were set. (Source:
CAFE Page at NHTSA )
More than anything, it sounds like everyone is getting a different story from VWoA, their brother, a little green alien that told them that the diesel gods are pissed at the USA and withhold the TDIs forever!
Is it the CAFE standards or emissions blocking the import of more diesels? From my research, I can say with confidence no for the following reasons:
1. CAFE does not restrict import or sale based on emissions. It doesn't even restrict import or sale of guzzling vehicles. It assesses penalties and taxes for those vehicles failing to meet standards.
2. The 2007 EPA regulations which will affect emissions on the TDI have not gone into effect (and will not until January 1, 2007). Even though car companies are working on meeting those regulations, it should have *no* effect on current production and designs (until the 2007 MY).
3. Calling VWoA for anything is akin to rolling the dice at the craps table at your favorite casino. You are liable to get any answer to your question and more times than not, the outcome is not the one you are looking for.
If anything, all we have now is rumor and conjecture to go on. The only plausible theories I have seen put forward (in my opinion) are those about supply limits. You can't suddenly take thousands of unexpected orders and expect to fulfill them quickly if you don't have the production/supplies to make it happen. It will take time.
SP
