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The Reason Why Are Trucks Getting Bigger

(toddofmischief.blogspot.com)
173 points yasp | 9 comments | 11 Aug 22 13:06 UTC | HN request time: 0.86s | source | bottom
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woodruffw ◴[11 Aug 22 13:50 UTC] No.32425520[source]▶
The author makes a correct observation (trucks are getting bigger to circumvent emissions guidelines, not solely out of ego), but fails to address the underlying market demand: as trucks have gotten bigger, they've also gotten "meaner"[1]. Emissions requirements don't require a truck to look like it's going to beat you up.

In other words: consumer ego (wanting to drive a big, mean looking truck) is an underlying pressure in the market, even if the sufficient mover for the current size explosion is emissions dodging.

[1]: https://jalopnik.com/we-need-to-talk-about-truck-design-righ...

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1. izacus ◴[11 Aug 22 14:15 UTC] No.32425929[source]▶
For a very obvious case of this, observe changes in BMW vehicle designs. The new generation looks like it'll gleefuly ensure death of any pedestrian it hits.

E.g.

2023: https://www.autojakal.com/2022/04/2023-bmw-7-series.html

2002: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_7_Series_(E65)

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2. compiler-guy ◴[11 Aug 22 14:19 UTC] No.32426021[source]▶
Those changes are largely driven by the desire appeal to consumers in china.

https://www.wapcar.my/news/bmws-big-grilles-are-the-tastes-o...

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3. readams ◴[11 Aug 22 14:25 UTC] No.32426117[source]▶
The higher hood is required by newer European pedestrian impact safety regulations, intended to reduce head injuries.

So the reality is 180 degrees opposite to what your claim is.

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4. hendrikrassmann ◴[11 Aug 22 14:30 UTC] No.32426234[source]▶
Looking like it's going to hurt you, while being safer, is not a contradiction.
5. TremendousJudge ◴[11 Aug 22 14:35 UTC] No.32426315[source]▶
All cars are getting meaner, it's not just fault of the Chinese market. These big trucks are sold mostly in the US and they still have these ever-growing grills.
6. izacus ◴[11 Aug 22 15:17 UTC] No.32427040[source]▶
My comment was not about the height of the hood, but the overall styling.
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7. chrisseaton ◴[11 Aug 22 15:20 UTC] No.32427089{3}[source]▶
Where do you get aggressive from? Both just look like regular style cars to me.
8. nyokodo ◴[11 Aug 22 15:34 UTC] No.32427313[source]▶
Even minivans look meaner.

2002: https://images.iconfigurators.app/images/vehicles/reference/...

2012: https://cfx-vrf-main-imgs.imgix.net/2/4/f/1e950ff3b9d6acc23e...

2022: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/licensed-image?q=tbn:ANd9...

9. Pxtl ◴[11 Aug 22 15:54 UTC] No.32427629[source]▶
Source? Everything I've heard is that the exact opposite is required -- that hoods are designed such that pedestrians will roll over them, and higher hoods increase hip injuries.