Why automakers don't sell a car that gets 50mpg.

Don't forget that trucks and SUVs have been subsidized by our government for a number of years. It wasn't a formal subsidy, but trucks and SUVs were allowed to use less stringent safety, mileage, and emission standards than ordinary cars. Originally this was because trucks were used for work and were fewer in number. Once they turned into family vehicles, this loophole should have been closed, but it wasn't. Auto manufacturers took advantage of this to make big powerful beasts at lower cost and higher margins. The public gobbled them up to the detriment of our resources and environment, while the auto manufactures made big profits. Everyone was happy, so why change it. If the manufactures are happy and the voters are happy, our elected officials are happy. Let the future take care of itself.

Tom