U.S. FTC: rules concerning fuel economy advertising may be updated

[redpoint5]

In I.T., we have the acronym PEBKAC (Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair). It sounds like you are saying something along the lines of "Problem Exists Between Throttle And Chair".

[PaleMelanesian]

The epa testing system we have now is not perfect, but it's what we have. It's not likely to change any time soon. So I'll save my breath complaining about it. It's posted on the window of every new car sold. It provides a decent apples-to-apples comparison between cars. If you get below that number in car A, you're likely to be a similar amount below the rated number on car B as well.

If I understand correctly, this proposal is for advertising. TV and billboards and magazines.

I've heard so many times, online and in person, "why would you buy a hybrid, when Car X gets almost as good mileage for cheaper?". Car X that gets marginally lower highway mileage, but woefully lower city mileage. Mose people aren't going to research in depth. Repeated quick "oooh that's a big mpg number" impressions will stick in their mind and sway their choices when it's time to buy. That's how advertising works.

Listing both city and highway EPA in advertising, I can only see as a good thing. It's better than what we have now.

[user removed]

I look at the ratings, but after the wifes Sorento, which was supposed to be 32 MPG highway and later found to be rubbish, I found out that the manufacturers are doing the testing themselves.

Fox in the Chicken coop syndrome. I can get her Sorento to 32, but on the same road and conditions my 38 highway rated Fiesta will do over 50.

For that reason I don't think manufacturer testing is a good idea. I would prefer a closed test track, but that would mean wind and temperature variables. Testing on a dyno brings in manufacturers tweaking vehicles to shine on a dyno.

Best would be a closed course in the southwest where temperatures average higher, with vehicles picked off dealer lots. Testing done is lowest wind conditions.

regards
Mech

[NachtRitter]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

In I.T., we have the acronym PEBKAC (Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair). It sounds like you are saying something along the lines of "Problem Exists Between Throttle And Chair".

"Adjust the nut behind the wheel"...

[gone-ot]

In aviation electronics (talking about pilots), it's: "...must be a short between the ear(head)phones..."