President Obama’s plans to reduce carbon emissions by increasing fuel efficiency standards in the United States have sparked a heated debate. On the one hand reduced fuel consumption means less dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, and will contribute to a cleaner environment. But on the other it could contribute to further problems for the US car industry, which is already struggling with the recession.
Allowing each state to impose its own standards for fuel efficiency will encourage reduced carbon emissions and is a long overdue first step by the US towards dealing with global warming. The issue was largely ignored by the Bush administration, despite the fact that even fellow republicans like California’s governor Arnold Schwarzenegger have been campaigning for these changes for a long time.
Eventually all the manufacturers, including prestige brands like Audi, Mereceds and BMW – all the names we’ve been told to aspire to – will be forced to move towards designing greener Cars and new fuel technologies.One thing is certain, even with the government money these new Cars will not come cheap. So perhaps the more expensive brands like Audi may even have to reconsider their marketing strategies and think about introducing other options for buyers such as offering an Audi lease agreement as an alternative to buying outright.
Consumers who are strapped for cash will also be faced with a difficult decision. It’s easier than ever to find a bargain in the current market, as the slump in sales has led to marked reductions in the cost of used as well as new vehicles. However, if the UK government were to follow in Obama’s footsteps drivers who choose the wrong car now could be faced with high taxes for carbon emissions in the future.
Perhaps the answer is not to buy that new Merc, or Beamer or Roller (if those are your dream Cars), but instead enter a Mercedes lease agreement with the option of renewing and upgrading your vehicle in the future. You’d be getting the best of both worlds – your dream car now at a fixed and predictable monthly price that’s often far less than taking out a loan (if you can find any institution willing to lend you anything!) and the possibility of being one of the first to benefit from the new fuel saving technologies and save even more money in the future!
