I am shocked to read that Ford has developed the “MyKey” feature (10/7, A-10, “.‘MyKey’ caps kids’ speed”) designed to “let parents slow down their kids in the family car.”
Ford is spending time and resources developing a feature that wouldn’t need to exist if cars were designed with less available speed to begin with. Parents aren’t supposed to drive above 80 mph, either, or drive above a posted speed limit around a tight curve.
Why doesn’t Ford spend time and energy designing a simple car with a fuel consumption of 60 mpg and a top available speed at reasonable efficiency (around 65 to 67 mph)?
MyKey — like power windows, power locks, and other nice but superfluous features — is an extra thing to understand and fix when it malfunctions.
Cécile Lagandré
Kansas City
"...like power windows, power locks, and other nice but superfluous features."
I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not sure I would consider windows that I don't have to crank as superfluous anymore.
If Ford thinks it can make make a profit selling cars that get 5mpg, that's their right. I would suggest that it would be a dumb business move for them to base their business plan on such a strategy, but it's their prerogative. I guess that in a country that has established that it's appropriate for government to protect individuals from themselves (smoking, trans fat, seat belts, etc.), then it's not much of a stretch to think that that right also extends to corporations.
Another unintended consequence of the nationalization of industry. He who signs the checks gets to make the decisions.
Posted by: Marctnts | October 17, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Well Tracee, feel free to go live in Europe where gasoline is at least double of what it is here, so 60 mpg with gas that is twice as high, leaves you back at 30 mpg at half as much. Math, it's a wonderful thing.
Not to mention the much higher taxtaion rates in Europe and the many bunk universal healthcare programs you are forced to participate in.
Posted by: NoMoreMrNiceGuy | October 17, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Thats right Cee-ceele,
Lets bankrupt Ford now. If Americans wanted a car like that we'd all move to France.
Posted by: solomon | October 17, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I can't remember where, but a few weeks ago, I read an article about a new car that Ford HAS developed, whioh gets the mileage you noted--about 65 mpg. They are only making it for European markets, though.....
Posted by: Art Chick | October 17, 2008 at 06:57 AM