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Fuel Rules to Spare BMW, Daimler

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by targus, Jul 30, 2009.

  1. targus

    targus New Member

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    "German luxury auto makers including BMW AG and Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz are close to benefitting from a U.S. concession that will allow them and a few other foreign makers to keep selling cars that emit more greenhouse gases than those made by mass-market rivals such as General Motors Co. and Toyota Motor Corp.

    Under a provision of a plan to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the Obama administration has proposed to set less stringent standards for car makers that sell fewer than 400,000 vehicles a year in the U.S. That target defines the major German brands as well as a few smaller Asian manufacturers such as Suzuki Motor Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp."

    (I bolded for emphasis)

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124873997073285323.html

    I don't understand, if the purpose of emission rules is to curb greenhouse gas emissions - why exempt anyone?

    Why specifically craft the exemption to benefit foreign manufactured vehicles?

    Why specifically craft the exemption to benefit the rich who are the only people who can afford these luxury cars?

    If you voted for Obama is this the kind of stuff that you thought that you would be getting?

    Can anyone defend this?
     
    #1 targus, Jul 30, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 30, 2009
  2. sag38

    sag38 Active Member

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    Can't say for sure, but maybe someone contributed more money than GM or Toyota.
     
  3. OldRegular

    OldRegular Well-Known Member

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    I am sure MP, Snow, and alatide can if they set their collective minds to it! They may have other help on the forum but those three come to mind. SN might see a great conspiracy and jump in to help out.
     
  4. Magnetic Poles

    Magnetic Poles New Member

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    OR, I am glad you think so highly of me, but I actually don't think the standard is correct. I can understand how extremely small manufacturers would warrant an exemption; however I think it is an unintended consequence to lump Daimer and BMW with that. Their sales here may be small, but worldwide they are huge. I suspect that manufactureres like Rolls Royce will also fall into this category. I do think though that there should be no exemptions for any auto giant, regardless of market share or volume sales.

    Sorry to disappoint you. :laugh:
     
  5. targus

    targus New Member

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    Why should there be an exception for small manufacturers?

    What is the point in providing this exception if there are no small American manufacturers? With so many unemployed American auto workers, why is Obama worried about foreign manufacturers and their workers?

    If the concern is carbon emissions what difference does the size of the company make? Isn't the purpose of emission standards to reduce emissions?
     
  6. Magnetic Poles

    Magnetic Poles New Member

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    I think there is a case to be made that the impact of a minimal number from a micro-manufacturer is negligible. It could also be said that innovation would come from small companies, and that we need a laxer standard as they develop new technologies.

    I didn't say I support this...but I can see how one may argue for such an exemption.
     
  7. OldRegular

    OldRegular Well-Known Member

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    Keep on shuffling your feet MP. You are getting closer. Couple more posts will get you there.
     
  8. Magnetic Poles

    Magnetic Poles New Member

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    No shuffling, OR. You wouldn't understand a lucid statement if it bit your gluteus maximus. I know it is difficult for you, but one can actually understand the arguments for a position without embracing said position.
     
  9. targus

    targus New Member

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    Innovation from small companies that build luxury low mileage cars?

    Companies that are already building high mileage cars can't be innovative? That they are building cars that meet the emission standards suggest that they already are innovative.

    If you want to make this arguement then why not just for U.S. companies?

    It appears that no U.S. company will benefit from this exemption - so why did the Obama people come up with it?
     
  10. Magnetic Poles

    Magnetic Poles New Member

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    I wasn't privy to the meetings, but stealing a page from the GOP playbook, perhaps getting government regs out of the way will stimulate innovation by American start ups. And I thought you righties were all about free markets, may the best product win? If so, why place standards on foreign products and exempt domestic ones?
     
  11. targus

    targus New Member

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    A free market would be no special exemptions for imports over domestic companies. Since it appears that no domestic company would benefit from this exemption it is a leg up for imports. This is not about free markets or the best product. It is about special exemptions for the less than best product.

    If it is about stimulating start ups in the interest of innovation - then why not write the exemption for start ups?
     
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