Comment by flyinghamster
2 months ago
Seeing all the gigantic and very-high-priced Pavement Princess Pickups clogging dealer lots, it's plain that the auto industry in general didn't learn a damn thing. It's easy to point fingers in all directions, but it always ends up that we get the worst outcomes.
The auto industry is just responding to incentives, the EPA makes it way easier to hit emissions targets the larger the vehicle.
Those incentives went the way of the dodo last year. The fine for violating it is $0
It takes 6 years to develop a vehicle. You cant rely on it being 0$ forever, the laws/regulations didn't change.
People are brainwashed into thinking a pickup truck is the only practical car even though it's the opposite. It's not just EPA regulations, it's what people want.
It’s not brainwashing, a modern four door pickup is the very definition of practical for most of the US. The only thing it doesn’t do well is park in tiny spots, which describes a fairly small fraction of the US.
It's all down sides compared to an suv unless you're hauling dirt. The reason it doesn't fit in a parking spot is because the cargo is impractical. Not weather proof, can't put seats down, more space to accommodate the poor design, bedliner is worse than trunk lining. Putting a wall in the middle of the vehicle is horrible design