To say the Government doesn't effect what cars that Chevy (or any other company for that matter) builds, Is to refuse to logically break down the specific roles of the EPA and NHTSA
A little known Bureaucracy called the EPA. They put stricter and stricter rules on emissions, and mpg. And that is from the past two administrations for sure.
Do you think Chevy doesn't realize that nearly every Camaro owner is going to eliminate the skip shift feature.. So why add it? Just for the sake of making the car more expensive.. Nope.. They are trying to meet government regulations for MPG and keep the customers from having to pay a special gas guzzler tax.
I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but seriously, people really need to open their eyes. There is TONS of government intrusion in the auto industry.
Some over site is probably a good thing, but I am a firm believer in the consumer. I think if the EPA and SAFETY ratings weren't mandated by the Government that ultimately the consumer would still demand it from the manufacturer - to the level they feel is necessary to keep them safe, reliable, and a decent mpg.
Example if Chevy makes a Sports car, that is horribly unsafe, and gets 6mpg. And Ford, makes an equally impressive performing car that is much safer, and gets 15mpg.. Which am I going to choose.. Then competition factor kicks in. They will then build cars based off what the people want, not what the government body demands they build.
If the demand for 40mpg 150hp hybrids is truly there (without government tax credits, and loans to help build the facilities, etc) Then that is what will be built.
There are Billions of people on this planet. There is room for competition and all sizes and types of cars.
I've shared my thoughts... continue on combating each other ....
