It was reported in newspapers today (January 3, 2008) that Daimler-Chrysler paid a record $30.3 million Corporate Average fuel Economy (CAFE) fine for violating fuel efficiency requirements set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The fine was based on imported passenger cars from 2006- primarily Mercedes-Benz luxury cars.

I didn't know that besides the buyer paying a gas guzzler tax (except for trucks and SUVs), the parent company also takes a major hit. Talk about a double penalty! [sm=boosign.gif]

I wonder if this news will have any affect on Cerberus' long term plans for its SRT line of cars?

 

My gut is it shouldn't. I believe the SRT line to them holds intangible values; immeasurable by any objective ledger sheet. It creates buzz; it makes people feel good about their purchases (even if they are not purchasing SRT's) I'm sure if they were losing money on the Vipers they'd still offer them as they are an element of their identity.

 

According to the NHTSA, "The penalty for failing to meet CAFE standards recently increased from $5.00 to $5.50 per tenth of a mile per gallon for each tenth under the target value times the total volume of those vehicles manufactured for a given model year. Also, half of CAFE fine goes back to the automakers to help them retool to make more efficient cars. That also includes the fines paid by import brands such as BMW."