Here they go again.
The U.S. Government, in their drive to push more people into the vehicles they want the public buying, is proposing a requirement that every vehicle sold come with a letter grade.
All electric and hybrid vehicles will receive an "A" grade and every other vehicle a "B" grade or less. The lowest grade given will be a "D".
This idea reminded me of the first time I saw letter grades on the windows of restaurants in California. Those grades definitely would effect my decision whether to eat at a particular restaurant or not because it was dealing with things like cleanliness.
Will it work in the automotive industry? Only time will tell. Once consumers understand that it is only a grade representing a vehicle's fuel efficiency and emissions they likely will overlook the grade. Apparently, the new grading system will have nothing to do with the value vs cost of the vehicle, safety issues, warranty offered, or mechanical track record of a particular model.
Of course, small cars will generally receive the highest grades and lower fuel efficient vehicles the lowest grades. Sometimes what the government forgets is the pocketbook of consumers.
If someone can only afford to buy a $14,000 vehicle it's not likely they will fork over $30,000 for an electric Nissan Leaf. And most wealthy people who can afford to buy a Leaf are more likely to buy a Lexus or other luxury vehicle.
Here is an article with more details found in the Wall Street Journal:
Report Card for Cars
