It’s about 2,000 miles from Michigan to California — and about a world away. Linked by market forces (California is the nation’s biggest car market, Michigan the nation’s biggest car manufacturer) but separated by cultural chasms, the relationship between the two states has always been rocky. Now, in the wake of last week’s landmark Golden State legislation to limit carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles, the two states are more at odds than ever. “There’s more than a little concern among the car companies about how bad the relationship with California has gotten. There needs to be a stand-down, but the more we want to talk, the more radical and out of control they get,” said one Detroit industry executive. Meanwhile, many Californians, noting the popularity of gas-guzzling SUVs and the even more profligate Hummers, say it’s the industry that’s out of control.
