The Hustle Daily Show Ford F1-Shifty: Why American trucks are so big
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Apr 21, 2025 Join Matt Brown, producer for The Hustle YouTube channel, as he dives into the oversized world of American trucks. He discusses how cultural and economic factors have led to our obsession with massive pickups, overshadowing smaller, more efficient models seen elsewhere. The conversation tackles the implications of changing fuel economy regulations and the environmental impact of these behemoths. Plus, explore the rising interest in smaller trucks and innovative electric options, highlighting a potential shift in consumer preferences.
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Japanese K Trucks Efficiency
- Japanese K trucks are tiny, efficient, and practical with a bed size similar to American pickups.
- They get 50 miles per gallon and cost around $8,000 to $12,000, making them a stark contrast to large American trucks.
American Trucks Are Show Ponies
- American trucks are increasingly show ponies with shrinking beds but growing size.
- The smallest new American truck today is about the size of a 1995 mid-sized pickup, showing how definitions have changed.
Truck Size Inflation in USA
- Since the 1990s, trucks in America grew 1,300 pounds and 18 feet in length on average.
- This reflects a significant inflation driven by factors beyond just consumer demand, connected to American exceptionalism and failed policies.