America has finally turned the corner....

[deltadart]

With $4+ gas and the news that GM and Ford will be cutting back on trucks and SUV'S and bringing more mini cars to the market,we have finally turned the corner. I hate the fact that it took $150 oil to do it. It's also nice to know that the car companies think that the sudden popularity in small cars is just not a passing fad and it's here to stay. So Mr. Penske,it's time to add more dealers. Could I bribe you to bring one to Cedar Rapids Iowa?

[Dunerunner]

Unfortunately, along with the ushering in of the fuel sipping european car models, we can all wave goodbye to $2.50 or even $3.50/gal gasoline. Be prepared for fuel costs to climb even further and usage drops.

Great to see the big three (well two) are getting the message though!!

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

Unfortunately, along with the ushering in of the fuel sipping european car models, we can all wave goodbye to $2.50 or even $3.50/gal gasoline. Be prepared for fuel costs to climb even further and usage drops.

Great to see the big three (well two) are getting the message though!!

After the fire sale it is the big three again, the hound from hell is American now.
karl

[limey]

Originally Posted by deltadart

With $4+ gas and the news that GM and Ford will be cutting back on trucks and SUV'S and bringing more mini cars to the market,we have finally turned the corner. I hate the fact that it took $150 oil to do it. It's also nice to know that the car companies think that the sudden popularity in small cars is just not a passing fad and it's here to stay. So Mr. Penske,it's time to add more dealers. Could I bribe you to bring one to Cedar Rapids Iowa?

I suspect over time the current mania for small cars will die down somewhat. Europeans pay a lot more for fuel than we do, but they still buy plenty of SUV's.

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by limey

I suspect over time the current mania for small cars will die down somewhat. Europeans pay a lot more for fuel than we do, but they still buy plenty of SUV's.

Not according to a report I saw two days ago on TV5 Monde: SUVs are staying on the dealer's lot longer than expected, the market is saturated.

[gstreetcomic]

You don't need to say anymore. Ever see the used car lots lately? They are packed full of SVU's that nobody really wants anymore. It is about time the big two get out of the clouds and get more into smaller cars.

[mdfortwoguy]

I saw gas for $3.99 for the first time in months on the way home.

I know it probably won't stick but I'd love to see the trend start going down... ugh

[deltadart]

I never thought I would see the popularity of the SUV die so quick. Less than a year. The local lot's are full of used SUV's. Couple of years ago the neighbor down the street bought a new Hummer. What I thought was funny he doesn't even have a garage to park it in. He parks in on the street.

[GHammerly]

The trend has gone up and down but the up swings have been stronger most of the time.
Steady rise since September 2001.
People are gradually adapting to the new reality and considering more efficient vehicles.
The car companies are also forced to adapt and some where already well positioned like Honda, or horribly so like Chrysler.

[BobDiaz]

We've seen a sharp rise and now the prices are starting to fall. The days of $3 gas are long gone, but the price will drop some and come 2009, I'll bet they rise again. I'll bet the LA Auto Show will be very interesting with all the small - high millage cars being introduced.

By the way not only are sales of smaller high millage cars up, but scooters have a 3 - 6 month waiting list.

Bob Diaz