The reason why those tree-huggers hold so much power in Europe is because many people actually vote for them.
Between genuinely idealistic tree-huggers and genuinely envious people, there is no shortage of people wanting to stick it to Mercedes or Porsche drivers here.



Regarding safety, you've got it backwards. Weight is actually the problem, not the solution. It degrades handling and braking, and increases damages to all victims.
Besides, don't believe for a second that you're safer in a Suburban than in a Mini when you get hit by an 18-wheeler. Bob's Mack truck LAUGHS at the Suburban.
The Renault Clio has proven that one of the safest cars worldwide can be one of the smallest - and the most successful. If everyone was driving one, casualties would be reduced 5-fold at least.