I fully accept all of these corrections and will only add comments for conversation - not trying to pick a fight.

Car companies these days use a platform manufacturing systems

the majority of small and midsize SUVs are just cars that have a taller profile

Touche, though I might argue that the taller profile does decrease fuel economy, but marginally.

"Detroit" has fucked up anything. The three companies you name are Euro/Japanese brands

I know... I don't live there anymore, and arguably - never did live in the D itself, so I should probably STFU. My beefs with the big 3 are larger than this, but relevant to my rant is the marketing spin on cars being a reflection of you... but hey - I'm talking straight out of my ass because I'd be the first dude to slow my walk in a parking lot if I saw a vintage Hemi Cuda. I'm schizo about cars... I'll admit it.

the companies want to sell as many SUVs as they can, because they have the highest margins by far.

but why? I don't get it. They can charge more... because.... they can charge more? I genuinely don't understand why SUVs are more profitable.

we might as well be wearing government shoes and outlawing jeans in favor of government-issued burlap sacks.

Fair point. I know that freedom is choice is paramount... I think I'm just bugged that people make (what I think) are really dumb vehicular choices... again - fueled by the direct and indirect marketing around what cars/trucks/minivans "mean". I think we're collectively addicted... and the car companies are willing to keep slinging the smack. Our legislation around vehicles is SO MESSED UP that I can't even begin. Shoot... I should be glad for SUVs and trucks I guess. For a while, car companies had to make cars to balance out their fleet.

If we collectively decide we want fewer large vehicles on the road, then we need different tax policies

yah... but it's really just me screaming into the void.

But then you might end up with a Euro situation where everyone drives a diesel, which I don't think we want here, either.

Excellent point.

And to your fifth point - guilty confession - haven't even read the article yet. Just walking the comments and was reminded how much I hate Truck Nation before I was chemically balanced enough to make a rational, educated comment.

I think we'll still disagree on some things, and that's totally ok.