This article suggests that America's oil usage will not top 2007 levels, and that prices near $3/gallon will stick around for a while. Are you using less gasoline that you were in 2007? Do you plan to be using less in the future? Will the prospect of prices near $3/gallon in the long-term affect how much driving you do? http://online.barrons.com/article_email/SB125150832505768603-lMyQjAxMDI5NTMxMDUzMDA4Wj.html
Almost 10 percent of the labor force is unemployed. Of course we're using less gas. Even those still employed are forgoing travel. 2007 isn't the peak for consumption. The government policies to push more fuel efficient cars or reduce dependency on foreign oil are pipe dreams. When the economy comes back, so will the SUVs...
I agree that SUVs will come back with an economic recovery but at the same time they will be more fuel efficient. I do like the fact that we have some regulation in that area that sort of forces the auto companies to build better cars.
When the economy comes back gas will be at least $4-$5/gal, if demand is driven only by industrial use of oil and there are no carbon/gas tax increases. When the economy comes back people will tend to spend their luxury dollars on less oil intensive luxuries than they used to. Well, at least those are the conclusions you'd reach if you believe in supply and demand. What do you believe in?
I agree with fuel savings and milage going up, it needs to, but there will be conciquences involved with this action that too many overlook. One recent item that is being tossed around is a per mile tax as opposed to the fuel tax we work under now. With the revenue decreasing along with the consumption the state has to either make up that revenue elsewhere, revamp the current system, or decrease spending on highway projects. With this Texas Corridor thing being pushed through, I get the feeling the latter won't stand a snowball's chance. Fact is, I expect to have to pay more in taxes yet again. Then there's safety and a myrid of others right on it's heels. Not much we can do I guess.
If the oil markets operated at all on supply and demand you might have a point. The few that control the supply on this planet go the farthest to dictating the price of oil. Sure other factors come into play, but the carteling of oil combined with its necessity for modern life destroyed any semblence of an oil market, IMO.
Your beloved Explorer (and the best selling SUV in history) will be a Crossover in 2011. The PHEV (Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) Escape will be out before the Volt.
The economy cycles, but my ass still gets planted in the same duct-taped seat behind the same steering wheel. I actually drive more now than in the last few years.
Ack! I meant in the US. But yes. While it fell the last couple of years, for 15 years straight it was the no 1 SUV in the US.
I certainly don't see that happenening. At least I hope not. Maybe OPEC will do something about supply?
