In a survey of SUV owners, 83 percent were unaware their vehicle is allowed to pollute up to three times
more than regular cars. The majority of people surveyed (87%) believe they should be held to the same
standards as regular cars.
Engineers at the Union of Concerned Scientists are ready to help. They have designed an Ford Explorer
with existing technology that gets 50 percent better mileage (28.4 mpg), pollutes 75 percent less (meets
2004 standards), and has a lower total cost.
In another poll, the “Detroit News” found that many people (66%) the federal government needs to play a
greater role to help alternative fuel vehicles penetrate the market. Almost half of the respondents
preferred positive incentives like tax credits or rebates; 38 percent suggested subsidizing automakers
to develop the technology. A minuscule five percent favored raising gas prices.
Finally, Nissan North America is hoping to debut the world’s first gasoline, super ultra low-emission
vehicle (SULEV) for the 2000 model year. The company is in the final stages of applying for California
certification. A version of the “Sentra” model will meet the state’s most stringent standards other than
a ZEV – a zero emissions vehicle. Relatively few vehicles meet any of the low emission California standards,
which were designed to certify cars that beat EPA requirements. The hierarchy is: LUV (low emissions
vehicle), ULEV (ultra-low), SULEV, ZEV.
PIRG survey: [sorry this link is no longer available]
UCS: “Greener SUVs: A Blueprint for Cleaner, More Efficient Light Trucks”
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