Legislators are in the driver’s seat

Re “Remade in Germany,” editorial, Aug. 27

“Detroit likes to claim that making cars more efficient is too costly, requires changes that consumers won’t accept or would compromise safety, or that the technology isn’t here yet.”

The auto industry opposed shatterproof windshields, seat belts, upholstered dashboards, safety locks, inside trunk locks, air bags, then smart air bags, catalytic converters, emission-control devices, energy-absorbing steering wheels, head restraints, the Nickel-Metal hydride batteries, the California zero emission vehicle mandate and changes to the corporate average fuel economy.

Only legislation can move Detroit.

John Spradley

Sylmar