Well, in all honesty, people don't tend to drive as smart in this country. Not a personal jab at anyone here... there are good drivers in the US... but not on average. On another forum that I am active on, someone was just posting about their fuel economy when towing a camper at 75 MPH with their VW Golf. In most European countries, there is a lower speed limit for vehicles towing trailers... and they enforce it! I have seen 50 MPH limits or 90km/h speed limits for towing. Here in the US, I have seen plenty of people out on the interstates towing campers at 80+ MPH. I have towed all kinds of trailers, and I have done my share of stupid driving when I was 16-17, but I would never tow something at that speed now that I am as adult.
I think if trailers were limited to lower highway speeds, then car companies might condsider keeping the factory tow rating. However, I also believe it is to sell more profitable trucks and SUVs. They don't have many trucks or SUVs in Europe, due to the price of gas and diesel, so people tow what they need to tow with cars... and small cars at that.
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