[monopolemagnet]

Both CAFE and Smog Check-style programs are gamed terribly, across multiple manufacturers... but VW gets the blame, which it rightly deserves.

Testing of emissions needs to happen at the tailpipe while driving with mobile equipment in the real-world with certain types of traffic / road conditions.

Mileage needs to be calculated by metered fuel measurement on a test track with both highway- and (stop-and-go traffic) city-driving.

In addition to either two, Tesla vehicles and other full electric vehicles cannot come quickly enough to supplant gasoline/diesel/CNG/LNG/flex fuel/etc.

PS: I just California Smog Check'ed my '85 Vanagon, which has direct-port fuel injection, mass-airflow sensor and rudimentary "computer" (Digijet) after replacing the catalytic converter, O2 sensor and having a VW specialist shop tune it up. NOx (nitrous oxides) went from barely failing 15 and 25 mph limits to near zero. HC (hydrocarbons) and CO were also barely detectible. Emissions on it (a 90 hp motor) are currently at the levels of a PZEV or a new vehicle, and it gets 24 (real-world) MPG (9.8 L/100km).

Already, CA Smog Check station owners are foreseeing additional mandated equipment investments to perform tests on modern vehicles not just via the OBDII port under the steering wheel. This is a good thing but it's hard to sell small-business owners on capital and labor expenses up against the status quo/sunk costs fallacy.