<![CDATA[Grist - Comment Feed for ‘Clunkers’ debunkers attack Democrats’ auto trade-in plan]]> Grist Comment Feed en Comment #1 by Spence http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/ Wed, 06 May 2009 18:13:02 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/1 The threshold should be a sliding scale starting at 30mpg for cars, 25 for trucks. We need to use this as a way to incentivize the manufacturers to ramp up production of their fuel efficient vehicles, not clear out in-efficient deadwood.

]]> The threshold should be a sliding scale starting at 30mpg for cars, 25 for trucks. We need to use this as a way to incentivize the manufacturers to ramp up production of their fuel efficient vehicles, not clear out in-efficient deadwood.

]]> Comment #2 by Tasermons Partner http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/ Wed, 06 May 2009 20:54:31 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/2 Was there an age limit mentioned?  Like the vehicle had to be a certain age in order to qualify?

 

Also, on a slightly unrelated note: great job on the margins, Grist!  Makes the articles much more readable!

]]> Was there an age limit mentioned?  Like the vehicle had to be a certain age in order to qualify?

 

Also, on a slightly unrelated note: great job on the margins, Grist!  Makes the articles much more readable!

]]> Comment #3 by stinkycheese http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/ Thu, 07 May 2009 06:04:02 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/3 I think that one of the previous drafts didn't require that the new car have a higher MPG rating than the one it replaced. If I read it correctly, I could have traded in my 33mpg 2001 Accord for a 27mpg car and gotten a tax credit for saving the planet. So while this latest draft has obvious flaws, at least it's an improvement in that area.

]]> I think that one of the previous drafts didn't require that the new car have a higher MPG rating than the one it replaced. If I read it correctly, I could have traded in my 33mpg 2001 Accord for a 27mpg car and gotten a tax credit for saving the planet. So while this latest draft has obvious flaws, at least it's an improvement in that area.

]]> Comment #4 by Clifford Wells http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/ Thu, 07 May 2009 11:49:12 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/4 It's the spread that matters, not the absolute numbers.  For example, trading a SUV with a weight rating of over 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating like a Suburban to an utra-clean, light-duty machine like the Prius gets the most bang for the buck.  Now think about optimizing the rules!  In many cases, you're right: the trade-in might not gain you very much.  Design it to remove the big stinkers is what I say, the deals with the biggest margin.

On part most people miss is that the old trade-in engine must be destroyed, or at least should be for the program  to work.  Obviously, if both the old car and the new car are on the road, you've increased emissions, not lowered them.  That's a very important part of any such program - the scrappage angle.

]]> It's the spread that matters, not the absolute numbers.  For example, trading a SUV with a weight rating of over 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating like a Suburban to an utra-clean, light-duty machine like the Prius gets the most bang for the buck.  Now think about optimizing the rules!  In many cases, you're right: the trade-in might not gain you very much.  Design it to remove the big stinkers is what I say, the deals with the biggest margin.

On part most people miss is that the old trade-in engine must be destroyed, or at least should be for the program  to work.  Obviously, if both the old car and the new car are on the road, you've increased emissions, not lowered them.  That's a very important part of any such program - the scrappage angle.

]]> Comment #5 by greengoblin http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/ Fri, 08 May 2009 04:20:11 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/5 Clifford Wells*

That's an interesting and innovative idea to maximize this program.  I don't know how easily that could be implemented, but it does reward those trying the hardest. This should enourage people to make their lives as efficient as possible. I saw a really great video earlier that might help get some people living more water efficient lives.  Check out them out at :

 

http://www.tomorrowsworldcompetition.com/

 

Students wrote and directed those, can you believe it? They're really working hard to raise awareness and get the public involved. It's a cause worth fighting for!

]]> Clifford Wells*

That's an interesting and innovative idea to maximize this program.  I don't know how easily that could be implemented, but it does reward those trying the hardest. This should enourage people to make their lives as efficient as possible. I saw a really great video earlier that might help get some people living more water efficient lives.  Check out them out at :

 

http://www.tomorrowsworldcompetition.com/

 

Students wrote and directed those, can you believe it? They're really working hard to raise awareness and get the public involved. It's a cause worth fighting for!

]]> Comment #6 by splashy http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/ Sat, 09 May 2009 11:00:09 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/6 I'm just happy to hear that the way we've done it for years - buying mostly 4 cylinder vehicles for the gas mileage, then holding on to them for 15-20 years until we just have to get another one - has been the most ecological way to do it.

Of course, this program wouldn't work for us, because we already have a higher mileage vehicle, unless they offer a hybrid mini-van that gets better mileage compared to our 4 cylinder. We would go for that in a heartbeat.

]]> I'm just happy to hear that the way we've done it for years - buying mostly 4 cylinder vehicles for the gas mileage, then holding on to them for 15-20 years until we just have to get another one - has been the most ecological way to do it.

Of course, this program wouldn't work for us, because we already have a higher mileage vehicle, unless they offer a hybrid mini-van that gets better mileage compared to our 4 cylinder. We would go for that in a heartbeat.

]]> Comment #7 by scarletlew http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/ Mon, 18 May 2009 17:29:31 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-06-clunkers-plan-attacked/7 I think the idea of converting gas-guzzling vehicles is good. I hope they get to produce more ideas like this or something like trade your old vw corrado parts and get a free gasoline or something.

]]> I think the idea of converting gas-guzzling vehicles is good. I hope they get to produce more ideas like this or something like trade your old vw corrado parts and get a free gasoline or something.

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