Oil companies/ SUV rants

[marc at getty.net (Marc Getty)]

Passing on the right is only a tradition in some parts in Europe. Italy
comes to mind. I found ZERO passing on the right when in Germany. In fact, I
almost did it once with Dirk in the car (same car as in the picture below)
and he freaked out telling me not do it it and why! Germans! Engineers!
German Engineers!
 
Turns out that some SUVs are considered trucks. I was behind a Ford Exploder
in traffic today with Texas plates and it had truck tags. Go figure.
 
-Marc
 

  _____  

From: Matt Gregory [mailto:vdub.grego@gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2006 12:12 PM
To: Marc Getty
Cc: scirocco-l@scirocco.org
Subject: Re: Oil companies/ SUV rants


Ha, nice reflection in that photo :-)

Although I don't necessarily agree with the SUV stereotype that they don't
follow the "keep right except to pass" rule.  In my experience this behavior
runs the gammet.  I work for an international company and we have to warn
our colleagues that come over from Europe for the first time that it's not
illegal here to pass on the right.  Many close call stories on the way from
the airport to the hotel for them.  "Rules" that should be "Laws" is
probably another thread :-) 

I also noticed an interesting phenomenon I'm sure has been going on for a
while ... I just don't do much interstate driving.  SUVs (the large variety)
which also have a need for a big cartop carrier.  What do people bring with
them on trips nowadays?  I doubt that many of them have 6+ people in there.
When I was a kid my parents said "choose ONE toy to bring with you." 

matt.


On 8/1/06, Marc Getty <marc@getty.net> wrote: 


Matt Gregory wrote:
> This just brought something to mind ... and I could be
> completely wrong ... I'm just thinking out loud here BUT:
>
> Don't I remember hearing that some of those SUVs are technically 
> classified as trucks so the car companys' fleets appear to have
> higher MPG ratings?  If so ... then maybe they should be required
> to obey those signs that say: TRUCKS USE 2 RIGHT LANES or WEIGH
> STATION NEXT RIGHT.
>
> Just a thought.


In the US some SUVs are considered trucks by the IRS. Over a certain weight
and they can be completely written off. The new M class is designed to be
something like 8 pounds over this IRS determined weight. The same exact same
M class in Europe weighs a bunch less.

However, even the largest SUVs (Surburbans, etc.) are still considered cars
(overgrown station wagons IMHO) buy state DMVs. They don't have 'truck' 
tags. However, my '84 Bunny Truck does have truck tags and the way more
expensive $72/year registration. Unfortunately SUVs don't have to stop at
weigh stations unless they are pulling a trailer, and some states do not 
require autos with trailers to get weighed. :-(

On a positive note, none of the new uber-large WaWas in the Philly areas
allow SUVs to park directly in front of the store. They have to park out
back with the big trucks. See: 
<http://endearth.org/MarchLamb2003_15_large.jpg> taken in 2003 near
Hannover, PA. Do SUVs  follow this? NO! Just like 'keep right except to
pass' it is a rule that they believe they are entitled to ignore. "I'm too 
good for the right lane!" Fuckers.

Scirocco content: With a low of 83, a high of 102, and 80% humidity, driving
a Scirocco without air-conditioning today is going to be rough!

-Marc

'83 VW Scirocco California Edition 
'84 VW Rabbit GTI Pickup Truck