[BigAls87Z28]

Well, the goverment is burnign the candle at both ends.
On one hand, they want cars to be safer which means heavier metal, more structre, more saftey airbags and sensors.
BUT, they want gas economy to increase and cars to go farther on less.
But you need a big engine to now move this mass of car...and because its heavy, that big engine will consume more gas.
Now, how do you satisify both saftey and fuel economy? Well, more technology! Aluminum suspension and body pannels, light weight components, higher technology in engine and transmission, more hybrid use....and guess what THAT adds!! MONEY!! More money spent on engineering, designing and building a car, means they get to pass the cost down to the consumer. So your 4000lb compact car that gets 50mpg cost you 38 grand. And now you have a VW.