Romney wants to save US auto industry
Not bashing DetroitAfter winning the Michigan primary Mitt Romney said he was going to save the US auto industry by "substantially increasing our investment in basic science and research, particularly in energy technology, fuel technology, automotive and material science technologies" (See the video).
Yet it seems the science and technology is largely available, it's making it happen that's key.
Hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, clean diesel, cellulosic ethanol, and lightweight materials are here today, it's making these technologies cost effective that's the problem. In order to do that economies of scale are probably the most critical factor. Unfortunately, Mr. Romney doesn't seem to address this issue.
Of course tax subsides and incentives might work, but it seems a gas tax is the easiest path forward, yet not one candidate running for President will touch such an idea with a 1000 foot pole.
My prediction: It doesn't matter one bit who becomes President, foreign oil dependency is tightening its grip around America's neck and the grip is only going to get tighter, much tighter. Too many Americans and EVERY single candidate for President can't handle the truth of artificially low gas pump prices and foreign oil dependency. So get ready to start choking.
Labels: Foreign Oil Dependency, fuel cells, gas tax, hybrid cars, mitt romney, plug-in hybrid vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:09 AM
4 Comments:
With higher fuel prices, hybrids and any technologies that help fuel economy are driven by the market. It's up to Detroit as to whether they'll have the product there to reap revenue from the investment in those technologies and materials. Their lack of vision is why the market $$$ flows to Toyota and Honda. Don't rely on government subsidies to make up for the lack of vision in Detroit.
As for a realistically higher gas tax: unfortunately it's too much common sense for any politician and most Americans to deal with. Lets call it subsidized denial.
"Subsidized denial" - I love it.
The unfortunate truth of the matter is that the citizens of this country and the world in general will continue to shoulder the yoke that of fossil fuel technology as long as there is money to be made on it. Oil companies, auto manufacturers, lobbyists and politicians will not change as long as we remain addicted. Breaking any addiction is a long painful process and the "dealers" will fight every step of the process.
Personally, I'm prepared to cut my consumption as much as possible and embrace as much new technology as possible regardless of cost to break our addiction.
guy,
I think more and more people every day are starting to think like you and me.
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