[savage_with_wrench]

Very astute! CAFE has a tough job. Safety is compromized by reduction of weight with current technology and it appears that the only tool CAFE has is punishing the carmakers that cannot meet CAFE standards. A smarter way to create a shift in fuel consumption is to increase fuel prices. Here in the UK drivers pay about $5 per gallon for gas or diesel and the vehicles sold here are definately more efficient. A rise in fuel prices may not need to be that high in the US to spur sales of more efficient vehicles including hybrids. It is all a matter of economy.