Motor Werks of Barrington

The Oscars took place this past week, and though we as viewers didn't see the types of cars celebrities arrived and left in, you might not be surprised to learn that most of them Mercedes-Benz vehicles. And, they weren't just any Mercedes-Benz vehicles, either. Choosy celebrities apparently choose the "greenest" models in the luxury auto manufacturer's current lineup- in other words, those models with BlueTEC clean diesel engines and hybrid vehicles.

Though German auto manufacturer Mercedes-Benz only began constructing what we think of today as SUVs since the 1990s, in that short period of time, the brand has risen to the top with its SUV sales.  In 201, Mercedes-Benz SUV sales rocketed 24 percent versus 2012 numbers. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, in particular, has been doing very well for itself for quite some time now. The fresh-faced Mercedes-Benz ML class also aided the brand on its rise to the top, but the Mercedes-R Class really lead the lineup this year, with sales increases of fifty percent.

Yes, this is the billion dollar question. Why is there legislation waiting in the wings to be voted on, that could cost U.S. taxpayers this much money? Well, fuel-efficiency.

Representative Dan Lungren, a Republican, of California's 3rd Congressional District has proposed a bill that would award the first U.S. domestic car manufacturer that makes 60,000 mid-sized sedans that run completely on gas and get at least a whopping 100 miles to the gallon.

As the legislation reads, hybrids and plug-ins are invalid for the cash prize. Personally, I think this is a great opportunity for car manufacturers, the government, and the U.S.'s occupants in general. The ROI on this billion dollar investment could be incredible. Advancements of this kind of nature could propel U.S. automakers back to the top of the world car market. This could put our people back to work creating innovative products.

Does this excite you at all or do you think it's a bad idea? Comment on our Facebook or tweet us here.