President Obama’s plans to reduce carbon emissions by increasing fuel efficiency standards in the United States have sparked a heated debate. On the one hand reduced fuel consumption means less dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, and will help create a cleaner environment. But on the other it could prove to be a big ask for the US car industry, which is already struggling with the recession.
Allowing each state to impose its own standards for fuel efficiency will encourage reduced carbon emissions and is a long overdue first step by the US towards dealing with global warming. The issue was largely ignored by the Bush administration, though many people, including fellow republicans like California’s governor Arnold Schwarzenegger have been campaigning for these changes for a long time.
In time, all the manufacturers including those we have been told to aspire to – prestige brands like Audi, Mercedes and BMW – will be forced to move towards designing greener cars and new fuel technologies.One thing’s is certain, even with the government money these new cars will be pricey. So perhaps the more expensive brands like Audi may even have to reconsider their marketing strategies and think about introducing other options for buyers such as offering an Audi lease agreement as an alternative to buying outright.
Consumers who are strapped for cash will also be faced with a difficult choice. It’s easier than ever to find a bargain in the current market, as the slump in sales has led to marked reductions in the cost of both new and used vehicles. However, if the UK government decide to follow in Obama’s footsteps drivers could be faced with high taxes for carbon emissions if they choose the wrong car now.
Perhaps the answer is not to buy that new Merc, or Beamer or Roller (if those are your dream cars), but instead enter a Mercedes lease agreement with the option of renewing and upgrading your vehicle in the future. You’d get the best of both worlds – your dream car now at a fixed and predictable monthly price, usually much less than taking out a loan (if you can find any institution willing to lend you anything!) not to mention the possibility of being one of the first to benefit from the new fuel saving technologies that could save you money in the future!
Tags: audi lease, car lease, fuel efficiency, green cars, lease, mercedes lease