http://www.latimes.com/news/highway1/20010221/t000015406.html

It's from yesterday (Wednesday)

The print version has lots of cool pictures too!

http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/ptitmartien.gif

Can someone explain this statement?



California's strict emissions rules and federal fuel-economy standards are keeping Subaru from bringing in more of its higher-powered vehicles. "The ST-X will be 4-cylinder," said Takao Saito, chief executive of Cherry Hill, N.J.-based Subaru of America. ."We thought a 6-cylinder would be better but, for example, we've already taken 200 to 300 orders for the WRX [and] if we sell too many, then we won't meet our corporate fuel-economy requirements. It's complicated."


Thanks,

Nate

The US gov't makes rules that the weighted average fuel economy for the vehicles it sells should meet/exceed a certain level. The calc is essentially (sales*fuel rating)/sales. This gets an average fuel rating per car sold. If this calc is not met/exceeded the auto maker pays hefty fines and penalties.

In a nutshell that the cafe rating system.

Brad

A car company has to have an aggregate average fuel econmy rating among all it's models.

Meaning: for every car they sell with crappy mileage, they need to sell one with good mileage so their average does not fall below the federal requirement.

I.E. For every FordZilla (Excursion) that Ford sells, they need to sell enough Focus' to make thier "average" mileage goal.

Subaru needs to make a sporty little car that'll run about 11-12k base price (read: drop some of the current standards down to options status) with really good mileage. Not only will it be good for those safety-conscious and mileage-conscious, but it'll be a good offering for those who are young and want a decent car.

They could make a hybrid car too... The Honda Insight is a flop, but I think it's because of it's unbelievable price tag.

It would be VERY hard to make a decent car for that price...but it would be nice. I'd buy one to commute in and keep my WRX for fun stuff only.

I know the Insight is a bomb, but the Toyota Prius is selling really well.

only problem is I don't think they'll be able to bring the price down low enough and still maintain significant interest in the vehicle. W/o AWD what makes a subaru better than most other cars. Also if they add another engine to bring the price down it could add cost because of the additional production expenses.

my $0.02
Brad

Wait- So is that why companies like Toyota make the Echo and Prius? Or does that have nothing to do with it. Well, I know the Prius is looking into the future and all that, but am I partially correct?

That's why they make the Prius....

They make the Echo because it's cheap and Toyota want to corner every market segment. Why do you think they make 5 different SUVs?

Subaru is only focused on 2 segments.
1. Outdoorsey people
2. Budget performance enthusiasts.

I'm a bit of both, that's why the WRX wagon is perfect for me.http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/biggrin.gif

It is impossible for Subaru!!!!

AWD cars get BAD gas mileage.

I have a AWD Talon. It gets 26 mpg, at best.
My friend has a FWD Talon. SAME CAR! But it gets 31 mpg!!!

Subaru is screwed!