• Rcklsabndn@sh.itjust.works
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    1 day ago

    Agreed, wasn’t it a ‘work truck’ heavy vehicle tax break after the fuel crisis in the 70s that created these monstrosities?

    (Please correct me if I’m wrong, I’m late for work.)

    • OshaqHennessey@midwest.social
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      17 hours ago

      Close. I believe you’re referring to the EPA efficiency mandates passed in the 90s that carved out exceptions for “heavy duty” trucks and SUVs, which lead to the creation of “crossover” vehicles, which started as a way to deliver car-like efficiency and features, while still minimizing development and efficiency costs by still having it classified as a “truck.”

    • lepinkainen@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      AFAIK yes, that’s the loophole. If a vehicle is heavy enough then the law assumes it must be for “work” and thus some pollution laws don’t apply.

      Car manufacturers noticed this and thus the massive “Sports” “Utility” Vehicle was born.

    • gwl@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      21 hours ago

      No, you’re entirely correct (though it was one of many factors, that being the largest)

    • OshaqHennessey@midwest.social
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      17 hours ago

      Close. I believe you’re referring to the EPA efficiency mandates passed in the 90s that carved out exceptions for “heavy duty” trucks and SUVs, which lead to the creation of “crossover” vehicles, which started as a way to deliver car-like efficiency and features, while still minimizing development and efficiency costs by still having it classified as a “truck.”