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For some time I've been
wondering how much a drop in gasoline prices coupled
with a weak US economy would inhibit the big green
push to hybrid
cars and electric vehicles. Consumers, I've
worried, might lose interest as automakers struggle
just to survive.
Predictions for that struggle have just become even
more dire. In 2009 the global auto market could suffer
an"outright collapse" due to limited credit
and a poor economy according to JD Power.
Is the the auto industry, as we know it, over?
Most recent comments read all comments (17)
Dahcredyns
said...-
"But in the meantime they have produced NOTHING to compete with the high MPG imports like the Prius (and don't tell me I can go buy a POS Aveo). There are entire market segments they have completely ignored. And I keep hearing that they "make cars that Americans want" What???"
I am, and have been, equally as bothered.
There haven't been any consumers for the Honda Civic, for example? Hello?!
Just as cheap gas has retarded the American auto consumer, I guess huge SUV profits retarded the US auto industry. 
Glenn said...-
Dahcredyns:
"Yet, not one of the Big 3 did anything for several more years, and they didn't do it then until Toyota proved that a vehicle like the Prius could sell."
I completely agree with you. I am so totally baffled why, from a business standpoint, GM et al let this happen. The Prius came out 10 years ago and Toyota has been making incremental improvements to the point that it is now the 13th best selling car in America.
This isn't about trucks and suvs. If Americans want them and the big 3 can make money on them, then so be it. But in the meantime they have produced NOTHING to compete with the high MPG imports like the Prius (and don't tell me I can go buy a POS Aveo). There are entire market segments they have completely ignored. And I keep hearing that they "make cars that Americans want" What??? That is just such a lame thing to say, especially since 9/11, and it is a recipe for runner-up status. How do you think Toyota has been able to bump GM from the top spot? I hate to see GM fail, and I hope they can reinvent themselves, but if they had heeded the many many warning signs, they (and we, by extension) wouldn't be in the mess we are in.
My brain is numb. -
Dahcredyns
said...
-
jeff-
agreed.
why is gas so much cheaper in America than in Europe for example? Why aren't the billions it costs to protect oil tankers, oil facilities, etc, added into the cost of a gallon of gas?
the government and military have a vested interest in keeping cheap gas.
so let's through their hat into the ring as well. -
Jeff
said...
-
dahcredyns,
I would also add that the public is just as much to blame as the corporations. If they didn't buy the SUVs the Big three would have stopped making them long ago.
We all know Big Mac's are bad for us yet it's still the number one seller at McDonalds. They won't ever stop making them unless the public stops eating them or the government bans them. So who's to blame? I say everyone involved..
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Labels: Hybrid Vehicles
