GM Management is Nuts

[Kevin1]

It's true that US fuel prices are low compared to the rest of the world. But we've seen how quickly prices can spike, they can't stay this low forever. Who's out there buying SUV's? The dealers here are flooded with them, and they aren't moving. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but don't you think people want 40-50 mpg cars now?

[narfire]

Yeup I am/was tired of getting 450 kms/tank with my Expidition & $100 cdn /fill. I just bought a 92 VW Golf with 240,000 kms (gas)$2200 cdn. I don't know of any 17 year old NA car that would drive as nice as this does with the milage (260 kms and gas at the 3/4 mark). The car is a delight to drive,has no issues and has passed a gov. inspection.
The Exp is parked, might sell it if I can get $1000 for it.

[mbouse]

It's true that US fuel prices are low compared to the rest of the world. But we've seen how quickly prices can spike, they can't stay this low forever. Who's out there buying SUV's? The dealers here are flooded with them, and they aren't moving. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but don't you think people want 40-50 mpg cars now?

those prices spiked as a result of the actions of greedy speculators, and was nothing to do with normal economic conditions or government regulations. remember, the fuel industry in the USA is unregulated, but taxed.

i'd think that most attending this forum would agree about wanting to own 40-50 mpg cars, now, before, and in the future. but, despite what we think... most americans have not come to the same conclusion, and won't until the government taxes our fuel consumption to pay for our economic stimulus packets.

[Kevin1]

Higher fuel prices will sway people's choices toward efficient cars. We have already seen it happen. For a minute consider that the only carmaker to post increased sales in 2009 is Hyundai. Honda and Toyota's sales are down, overall, but their small car sales account for a disproportionately large percentage of their 2009 sales. I think this is positive news, it points toward the fact that although fewer people are buying right now those who are, are buying smaller, more efficient vehicles. Not SUV's and trucks, in spite of $2.00 gas.
Let's hope that continues to the point where we can actually consider it a trend. It would bode well for Fiat's chances to return to the US.

[Kevin1]

From Auto Trends, March 2009 showing changes in sales volume from the previous year
Cars
* Chevy Cobalt: Down 23.8%
* Dodge Caliber: Up 10%
* Ford Focus: Up 24%
* Honda Civic: Up 18.3%
* Honda Fit: Up 73.8%
* Hyundai Elantra: Up 11.1%
* Kia Spectra: Up 41.3%
* Mitsubishi Lancer: Up 32.7%
* Nissan Sentra: Up 21.4%
* Nissan Versa: Up 34.2%
* Toyota Corolla: Down 21.3% (mainly due to the changeover to the 2009 model)
* Toyota Yaris: Up 83.2%
* VW Jetta: Up 19.7%

Hybrids
* Honda Civic Hybrid: Up 44.3%
* Toyota Prius: Up 16%

Trucks and SUVs
* BMW X5: Down 41.9%
* Chevy Silverado: Down 23.5%
* Chevy Tahoe: Down 34.2%
* Dodge Durango: Down 38%
* Ford Explorer: Down 14.8%
* Ford F-Series: Down 23.8%
* Honda Pilot: Down 23.6%
* Hummer H3: Down 32.6%
* Lexus LX 570: Up 156.1%
* Nissan Titan: Down 44.9%
* Toyota Sequoia: Up 19.8%
* Toyota Tundra: Up 16.8%

[mdrburchette]

It looks like the trend is definitely going toward the more fuel efficient cars. I know I'll buy a Fiat when they come over.

[Kevin1]

That's two of us so far . . . see how quickly the momentum is building?