Once again you display your vast knowledge of emissions and your view of the Big Picture, both superior to mine....
But in reality, has the government ever yet been able to influence ANYONE to purchase a car based on emissions alone? Maybe a few isolated incidents, sure.
But the majority of people who profess to care "more than average" about clean air have probably never heard the term "PZEV" in their lifetimes. Of that group, you know MANY, MANY of them have heard of Hybrids.
Although the average Prius buyer makes $100K a year, I have yet to see that number for HCH buyers - I know I don't clear anywhere near $100K !! People making $40,000 a year can
usually afford a $350 dollar car payment, which is what you can get with a $18995 2004 HCH financed with $1000 down for a 5-year note at 6% interest through Honda America Finance....that is the price advertised last week in Phoenix for a new 2004 HCH manual tranny....Sure, if they could get a PZEV Focus for $12K then I'd say GO FOR IT.....
So yes, if the goal is to reduce the overall number of older cars with PZEVs that are more affordable than Hybrids, then absolutely the Focus would be a good...focus...of that effort !!
I just know that Hybrids and the "Hybrid Phenomenon" are drawing people (and buyers) to pay more attention to clean air goals, and that is nothing but GOOD all around......
