Taken for a Ride: Detroit's Big Three and the Politics of Air Pollution

Taken for a Ride: Detroit's Big Three and the Politics of Air Pollution
by Jack Doyle

Taken for a Ride: Detroit's Big Three and the Politics of Air Pollution
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Book Summary Information

Author: Jack Doyle
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2000-01-15
ISBN: 1568581475
Number of pages: 560
Publisher: Basic Books

Book Reviews of Taken for a Ride: Detroit's Big Three and the Politics of Air Pollution

Book Review: Liars and Incompetents!
Summary: 5 Stars

L.A. began to experience smog in 1942; by 1950 a California Institute of Technology professor had laboratory results proving that autos and refineries were the main culprits. Bit oil's response was to hire Stanford Research Institute to research (dispute) his findings. As public opinion intensified, oil companies then tried to shift the blame to autos.

The auto industry then resisted, insisting on definitive proof. In 1957 when this was provided, they then insisted smog was a problem peculiar to the L.A. area. By 1963, even this was well refuted.

And on and on it goes - any improvement in smog, safety, or fuel economy was fiercely resisted on the basis of high costs - even though initial significant improvements cost as little as $10 (the PCV valve) or less (retarding the spark - known since the Model T). Meanwhile, Detroit was wasting untold billions through inefficient production practices, when compared with the Toyota Production System.

Bottom Line: I suspect the auto industry has contributed far more to America's fuelishness etc. than we'll ever know.

Summary of Taken for a Ride: Detroit's Big Three and the Politics of Air Pollution

Smog was discovered in L.A. in the 1950s, and scientists showed that the city's burgeoning car population was the cause. Thus began almost 50 years of bobbing and weaving by the Big Three auto makers -- General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler -- to avoid responsibility. As the U.S. government became involved in auto regulation, the Big Three countered with threats, intimidation, and subterfuge. Catalytic converters, alternative fuels, and emissions standards all came about long after they could have as a result of this tug of war. In Taken for a Ride, Jack Doyle documents a sordid tale of delay, missed opportunities, and serious environmental culpability.

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