usa today 4/24/04

basically it seems nissan does not have to calculate their imported fuel economy seperate from their domestic fuel economy. they can average it all together to meet CAFE- this exemption is given basically because they threaten to move some manufacturing out of the US if they had to follow the same rule as everyone else.

full story here

 

I'm not surprised as, considering the type of vehicles they sell in US compared to the rest of the world, the domestic FE would positively offset their CAFE.
I can understand. Why indeed should a car manufacturer be responsible for the buying habits of a country while it globally makes a great effort to increase fuel economy.
It would be a bit hypocritical from the US governement to blame them considering it still refuses to sign the Kioto agreement.

 

I completely agree with iknownot'ing.

Regardless my TII pollutes more than any new nissan.

 

VW got the same exemption in the 80's.

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought many other countries have refused to sign Kioto and several of those that have are finding difficulties in meeting the goals.

 

No you're right! I think Russia refuses too. It's not an excuse though!
And the ones struggling are at least trying.

 

I disagree a little.

I think it's okay to take the US to task for not doing enough about curbing emissions.

But I do think it was right to skip signing a treaty whose terms we couldn't meet. Better to say no up front than to sign it and then renege.