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In the future, your car could lose the CD player to reduce weight

EGM CarTech -- Automakers have been working hard to try to meet tightening government fuel economy regulations, and designer Michael Arbaugh has proposed a controversial way to help reduce weight, a big factor with fuel economy.
The year 2016 is rapidly approaching, and automakers are being forced to improve their U.S. fleet’s mpg ratings, from 27.5 mpg to 341 mpg for passenger cars, with a 23.5 mpg target for light trucks. This is difficult for a number of reasons, and the new requirement fights for automaker’s attention along with rapidly advancing technology and higher safety standards
Arbaugh’s vision is to do away with CD players in automobiles as a way to save an average of 5-lbs in weight, which is a big deal for automakers. Not only does it lighten the load but it also opens up some highly ....

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Submitted May 16, 2012 By: BurntOrange

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chemist74 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:13,510 Points:2,395,980 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Jun 10, 2012 9:45:12 AM Ignore chemist74 Report Abuse There is a lot of "junk" standard on many cars that could be eliminated to cut weight.
ltbombb Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,919 Points:594,920 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jun 10, 2012 7:55:30 AM Ignore ltbombb Report Abuse This sounded like an outrage at first glance, then after thinking about it my CD player hasn't been used for the past few years. Time to move to ports/plugins for mp3 players?
gandalfthegrey1 Champion Author Houston Posts:1,184 Points:384,785 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 17, 2012 8:08:28 AM Ignore gandalfthegrey1 Report Abuse Ok. I give up. How much weight is it? Maybe makers will install a plug for a portable.
Amplion Champion Author Oregon Posts:6,926 Points:1,893,735 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: May 17, 2012 3:22:03 AM Ignore Amplion Report Abuse MY CAR HAS A CD PLAYER UP FRONT PLUS A SIX CD CHANGER IN THE TRUNK. I WOULD NEVER BUY A CAR WITHOUT THEM !!!!
LilRedWagonIN Champion Author Indiana Posts:7,912 Points:1,581,110 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: May 17, 2012 12:27:51 AM Ignore LilRedWagonIN Report Abuse Don't say you now have heard everything. Wait until they hire the First Lady (like her Chicago hospital job) and she tells all the drivers and passengers to eat celery and lose weight. [And tries to ban drive-thru windows at fast food restaurants.]
mpg611 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:2,484 Points:597,770 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 17, 2012 12:15:14 AM Ignore mpg611 Report Abuse This is one of those articles that makes you say "now Ive seen everything".
Ahking Champion Author Orange County Posts:3,599 Points:621,360 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 11:59:05 PM Ignore Ahking Report Abuse that would be terrible.
carranco Champion Author Georgia Posts:1,027 Points:271,465 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 11:29:57 PM Ignore carranco Report Abuse This is a joke, right.
bl626 All-Star Author Toledo Posts:824 Points:242,355 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 11:20:02 PM Ignore bl626 Report Abuse weight is not just the issue, plus common, my '91 car has already 30 mpg figures...
Night Owl Champion Author Toronto Posts:7,690 Points:1,814,900 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:36:53 PM Ignore Night Owl Report Abuse This is stupid.
ExplorerWA Champion Author Washington Posts:4,240 Points:825,075 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 8:54:48 PM Ignore ExplorerWA Report Abuse We need the government out of our lives.
ToolinIt Champion Author Colorado Posts:1,805 Points:913,010 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 8:36:17 PM Ignore ToolinIt Report Abuse This proposal is so stupid! I'm sure that it means ridding the vehicles of premium speakers as well so to reduce weight. The next federal mandate will be the requirement of everyone to lose weight to clinical guidelines. More government control. The bigger the government - the smaller the citizen. Meaning that the larger control that government has over us - the fewer rights that we have as individuals. Aren't we supposed to be a free society? Make your vote count in November.
BuckyTJones Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:4,932 Points:967,950 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 7:12:27 PM Ignore BuckyTJones Report Abuse Switch to flash drives in stereo's save weight that way. And dump that recording device come 2015!
ToolinIt Champion Author Colorado Posts:1,805 Points:913,010 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 6:41:45 PM Ignore ToolinIt Report Abuse Does that mean that the radio goes away with the CD player? I like my XM radio for listening to baseball games while I'm on the road.
hotwheels001 Rookie Author Ottawa Posts:49 Points:52,755 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 6:38:55 PM Ignore hotwheels001 Report Abuse they can get rid of the left/right blinkers cause everyone cutting me off never use them.
07skydriver Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,380 Points:1,011,175 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 6:08:51 PM Ignore 07skydriver Report Abuse Got 'em, never use 'em.
Tacodan Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:2,462 Points:681,305 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 5:11:05 PM Ignore Tacodan Report Abuse what ever happened to a base vehicle ? You know 4 on the floor with no frills
Van_Halen Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,959 Points:667,045 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 3:40:30 PM Ignore Van_Halen Report Abuse . If government would get out of the way, we would have fuel efficient cars like Europe. BTW, who uses a CD Player anymore? CDs went the way of the Cassette Tape and 8-Track. I have 250,000 songs in my Expedition, why would I need a CD Player?
bruin19MD Champion Author Maryland Posts:1,108 Points:174,890 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 2:12:35 PM Ignore bruin19MD Report Abuse no CD player in my old truck
wamster Champion Author Houston Posts:4,419 Points:720,340 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 1:49:22 PM Ignore wamster Report Abuse I'd rather lose 5 pounds of weight on me, than lose my CD player.
bandannaman Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,849 Points:365,610 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 1:26:55 PM Ignore bandannaman Report Abuse We'll find a way to add the weight back in.
packards42 Champion Author Washington Posts:6,535 Points:1,147,920 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 1:24:46 PM Ignore packards42 Report Abuse yes to be replaced by a little black box, privacy invasions.
Jeff4U Champion Author Atlanta Posts:8,895 Points:1,879,930 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 1:18:12 PM Ignore Jeff4U Report Abuse In the future, your car could lock you out if you gained weight from that Thanksgiving meal. "I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that"
tatker Champion Author Asheville Posts:2,107 Points:587,080 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 1:14:58 PM Ignore tatker Report Abuse might as well. It's a brave new world...
djwhit Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,152 Points:1,236,155 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 12:26:21 PM Ignore djwhit Report Abuse THATS BULL.....
deputydog082 Champion Author Detroit Posts:1,911 Points:686,805 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 12:20:58 PM Ignore deputydog082 Report Abuse I still use CDs
ErnieK9LO Champion Author North Dakota Posts:2,811 Points:568,530 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 12:20:42 PM Ignore ErnieK9LO Report Abuse :(
36_ACRES_4_SALE All-Star Author Appleton Posts:999 Points:338,815 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 12:11:25 PM Ignore 36_ACRES_4_SALE Report Abuse :o
alex395 Champion Author Louisville Posts:2,085 Points:280,540 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 12:07:33 PM Ignore alex395 Report Abuse Obama's EPA thank you for regulating away my CD player.
REBELFAN39 Veteran Author Jackson Posts:367 Points:474,765 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 12:06:16 PM Ignore REBELFAN39 Report Abuse New vehicles are already about 1/3 plastic!
buckets42 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,690 Points:329,550 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 12:05:16 PM Ignore buckets42 Report Abuse We'll just add back in what they take out.
lesabreAZ Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,819 Points:438,945 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 12:02:55 PM Ignore lesabreAZ Report Abuse 341 mpg....thats like 1.21 gigawatts
schatzila Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:5,089 Points:1,044,320 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 12:01:52 PM Ignore schatzila Report Abuse Making drivers weigh less is the key.
sciotosix Champion Author Dayton Posts:2,889 Points:694,575 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 12:01:51 PM Ignore sciotosix Report Abuse No great loss - most vehicles will have USB & iPod ports anyway.
comptonwoods Sophomore Author Virginia Posts:104 Points:277,480 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 11:59:37 AM Ignore comptonwoods Report Abuse highdesertman has the idea. the automakers know that technology is bypassing the cd.
tattoo666TX Champion Author Texas Posts:2,567 Points:344,480 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 11:59:12 AM Ignore tattoo666TX Report Abuse They are already selling cars with no spare tire. Now they want us to sit on the side of the road with a flat and nothing to listen to?
DesertRat2011 Champion Author Riverside Posts:3,761 Points:512,280 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 11:41:26 AM Ignore DesertRat2011 Report Abuse I don't think 5 lbs will make that big of a differance in fuel mileage. I think we need Mythbusters to check that one out !!
highdesertman Champion Author Albuquerque Posts:2,629 Points:1,744,875 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:58:20 AM Ignore highdesertman Report Abuse I was somewhat disappointed when I bought my last car, a 2012 Subaru, and found that the 6-CD changer previously offered was no longer available. However, I also found that they had replaced it with a USB plug, so now I have 60 or 70 of my favorite albums on a 4 Gb flash drive and can select any music I want to hear without messing around with loading and unloading the physical CD. It can also control an ipod, if that is your preference. It still has a single CD player which I have never used. All in all, it's a much better and easier way to listen to your music while driving, so if the CD player disappears entirely, I won't miss it.
BUSMAN1105 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,256 Points:1,197,425 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:50:43 AM Ignore BUSMAN1105 Report Abuse THAT'S CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jkent1953 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:2,131 Points:468,635 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:34:51 AM Ignore Jkent1953 Report Abuse Haven't used CD in years. iPod
cgrey8 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:1,015 Points:260,730 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:34:32 AM Ignore cgrey8 Report Abuse I don't have a problem with them removing it as long as one can be added to the area where the radio goes using aftermarket equipment. So many cars have got such custom dashboards that you can no longer replace the radio without making a mess of the dash in the process or using a completely custom installation kit that literally replaces much of your dash. I understand why they are doing this, but I have to say I don't like it.
Dr Gas Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:3,286 Points:360,350 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:30:57 AM Ignore Dr Gas Report Abuse Remove it already. I haven't used mine since 2007. Ipod way better.
doctorindyj Champion Author Santa Fe Posts:3,543 Points:865,285 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:29:35 AM Ignore doctorindyj Report Abuse I like my CD and I like my tapes. If I had room I would get my 8 Track installed somewhere.
Moumoom Veteran Author Toronto Posts:324 Points:414,255 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:22:45 AM Ignore Moumoom Report Abuse Chances are the CD player is going the way of the tape deck. Plug in for one's iPod or wireless for the cell is more useful these days.
vnany Sophomore Author Fort Worth Posts:104 Points:588,515 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:16:10 AM Ignore vnany Report Abuse No CD player no problem.... just need a blue tooth device so i can steam music from my phone while i text and drvie.
orphancarguyPE Champion Author PEI Posts:3,910 Points:759,175 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:14:30 AM Ignore orphancarguyPE Report Abuse It would be more to the point if Americans lost some personal weight and size. Then they could more likely fit into a slightly smaller, and slightly lighter car with excellent safety features, like a Ford Focus or Fiesta (which are 'family cars' in Europe) with better mileage. While you are at it, bring in the diesel versions of these cars, which will pass the 2016 standards right now and then some. Some of the Euro-spec diesels pass the the 2025 standards right now, but Ford, GM, VW and all won't sell them here...yet. Not a slam, because I could lose a few myself. About the American weight issue. even the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some truly alarming stats: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/overwt.htm
blupupher Champion Author Houston Posts:3,695 Points:776,495 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:12:29 AM Ignore blupupher Report Abuse a 5 lb CD player? I bought a portable CD player in 1989 that weighs less than 2 pounds. Why don't you take away useless crap like the 7" LCD display and all the electronics that drive it.
Jizme Champion Author Lincoln Posts:10,020 Points:2,934,030 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 10:03:33 AM Ignore Jizme Report Abuse Don't take my CD Player. Why don't they focus on engine efficiency instead.
newman26 Veteran Author Milwaukee Posts:320 Points:1,474,850 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 9:58:53 AM Ignore newman26 Report Abuse five pounds. Car makers want you to supply your own music to reduce the cost, first they eliminated the spare tire. what will be next?
WildmanMick Veteran Author North Carolina Posts:426 Points:316,540 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 16, 2012 9:54:03 AM Ignore WildmanMick Report Abuse Is it just me... could there possibly be engine improvements that, when mass produced ,would add very little cost to the fuel efficiency gained? For example, a water injection system?