
Originally Posted by
stephkyle7
I find the responses in this thread curious.
Not really knowing much on this subject, I did what i usually do.I researched it from a basic point of view(did CFC work?) then from a negative conotation(the truth about CFC) then from a positive assertion(how it worked.)
The overwhelming evidence supports the fact that the program was a HUGE success.
1st, the program was a economic stimulus program.
Any enviormental impact was secondary. Its primary goal was to generate NEW car sales when the industry was struggling.
every major Car manufacturer enjoyed the best sales they saw in several quarters do to the CFC program.Success #1
Now in regards to the idea that these cars went on to be junked,doesnt appear to be true. Most working high mileage cars are sold in bulk to buyers in mexico and in some cases Canada where buyers arent so discerning.
So from an exhaust perspective we simply passed the dirty cars out of country but the direct impact was a significant decrease of Co2 emissions by vehicles currently on the road here.
Everything I can find thus far states what I believe to be true. That every car that was turned in had to be destroyed by having the engine seized up. This may have been a win for the automakers and the line of people involved in the parts for the cars sold during this program. Though there are also plenty of losers that have been forgotten.
The biggest losers in this are the poor and lower middle class. When you artificially deplete the supply of used cars it drives the price up for the remaining stock. I actually saw this first hand when I was in the market to buy a new used car during the following Spring. The prices I found where mostly 1500-2000 more per vehicle I was looking at when I bought the same style vehicle the year before (was looking at cars in the 6-9,000 range). Also have to look at the salvage yards that took in these cars to scrap. When destroying the motor you are taking away a large chunk of the value of the car.
So CFC may have been a success for some it definitely was not for all. Harming most those who can handle the harm the least the most. I think you are wrong about the cars being sold to Canada and Mexico. Though if you have proof otherwise i'd be happy to look at it.
French writer Alexis de Tocqueville warned about when visiting this fledgling democracy in the early 19th century – that this "American republic will endure until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money."