Reply #12: Took 20 years for airbags to catch on

[One_Life_To_Give]

Implementing those with Bakelite, 74 series TTL and Wire Wrap might have proven interesting had it been compelled. As I recall in 71 emissions standards were already requiring EGR, Non-Quench (open) combustion chamber heads. And with model year 74 the "smog" motor was complete with Lower compression, Two-way Bed Catalytic Converter with required mechanical Air-Pump. Some cars became lighter while others just added cubic inches.

60MPG isn't the problem. Question is will you all accept the unintended consequences? It will either cost you more dollars for the high tech vehicle systems to do it. Or we take away some of the current crash capability/energy absorption capability, ride quality, space etc. Since the 60+MPG Honda Insight was pulled off the market and redesigned both here and in Japan. I am not so sure people are willing to make such a trade.