Several legacy automakers are being accused by industry experts of deliberately slowing the transition to electric vehicles by pushing hybrids, lobbying against stricter emissions rules, and delaying affordable EV production. As Chinese EV makers and companies like Tesla rapidly expand, critics warn traditional car brands risk losing the future of the global auto industry by protecting their aging gasoline business for too long.

https://thedriven.io/2026/05/09/how-legacy-car-companies-are-skewing-debate-and-slowing-transition-to-electric-cars/

  • came_apart_at_Kmart [he/him, comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
    6·
    4 days ago

    the US obsession with large vehicles is very much a product of capital. large vehicles, SUVs specifically, are the legacy of a 1970s safety and efficiency carve out to protect AMC’s line of “non passenger work trucks”.

    the Jeep Grand Cherokee then exploded (literally in many cases) into the scene and, due to its regulatory status, could be made far cheaper and thus far more profitable than any other vehicle type.

    rather than closing the loophole, it was enshrined and became the target of every automaker because it was the most profitable line of vehicles. it went from like 5% of vehicles sold to over half in 10 years. it has continued to climb.

    at this point its hard to even find a non SUV or crossover (the even cheaper version) being developed and sold. they are an absolute cash cow due to the lack of safety and efficiency regs that apply to them, compared to sedans and wagons, etc. it is quite literally all they want to sell to you, and the only lip service paid to safety is that getting into an accident with one of these behemoths will be fatal (due to bumper mismatch) unless you’re driving one too.

    most americans were quite obsessed with fuel efficiency after the 1970s, but capital couldn’t make as much off that as selling giant, unregulated boxes with massive engines. so the consumer had to be manipulated to think they actually wanted big garbage compactors that kill people.

    great summary of context and present: Climate Town - How Your Parents Ruined Driving, A Rich History of Why It’s All SUVs Now