"Stretch" wrote in message
oups.com...
It is not just the manufacturers who are at fault. It is the
Testosterone based buying habits of the American public. The car
companies are making what we want to buy. Or Did want to buy. I hope
the car companies are ready to change. Last month was the first drop
in SUV sales figures in years, but it was only by 1%.

Stretch

As you alluded to, the car companies are willing to make/sell whatever
you're willing to buy. However, if gas prices stay where they are today,
the mark-up on fuel efficient cars will be like it was in the '70's, and
they will be giving away SUV's. Until recently, they were giving away the
efficient stuff and charging out the wazzoo for SUV's. I'd hate to be the
owner of a 3 month old Mega SUV. Resale has gone in the toilet for now, and
fuel expenses are 50% or more higher than expected.

Here in the Atlanta area, I've been amazed at the lack of traffic this
weekend. High gas prices and the lingering fear of shortages (yes, there
are stations without gas, but I suspect that's because of last week's run on
gas) are keeping people from making unnecessary trips. I love it, because
it is amazing how much better traffic flows when volume is down 25% or
more...

KB