There are many rumors and urban myths about gas companies buying/stealing/cajoling the patents on electric cars, cars that run on water, or super efficient cars and for the most part you might think that is total crap. Except that some car manufacturer’s are getting less efficient!
Take the 2004 Volkswagon Jetta for example.
According to Canadian Driver it got 6.2 litres/100 km in the city (46 mpg) and 4.6 (61 mpg) on the highway. Pretty impressive!
Now look at the 2009 Jetta,
Car and Diver writes that the 2009 Jetta TDI has been officially rated at 30 mpg city, 41 mpg highway. That is a loss of 16 in the city and 20 on the highway.
What the Hell Volkswagon?!! Given today’s economic and environmental state, why would you make a vehicle less fuel efficient unless it is because you are in cahoots with the oil companies?