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PeakOil is You

PeakOil is You

What do you think of the recent car sales news???

Discussions about the economic and financial ramifications of PEAK OIL

Re: recent car sales

Unread postby emersonbiggins » Mon 01 Aug 2005, 17:29:02

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('spudbuddy', '
')I think long before we get to the point of whether we're going to drive or not (based on whatever resources are left to us) we should be seriously considering what we drive, how we drive it, and why.
A car culture will never go cold turkey.
Unless our oil economy just literally falls off the table, some form of a weaning process will be necessary.
The better we wean....well, think about it. Lessens the tendency to suck thumbs, soothers, and other pseudo-mammary replacements.


The best thing that the U.S. can do is loosen or eliminate property zoning laws that preclude most citizens from doing anything without hopping into a car. It's currently illegal (in most places) to create the idealistic urban centers that are found in so many small towns and cities, e.g. the "town square". It is also duly noted that while "the American Dream" of a house and three cars is idyllic and wonderful :roll: , it's simply not sustainable as a long-term living arrangement. There's not enough resources to continue creating it, much less sustaining it.
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Unread postby emersonbiggins » Mon 01 Aug 2005, 17:52:31

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Oily_Bill', 'I')n Europe, there are diesel versions of most cars available. Eg I just ordered a new Jaguar (Ford) Xtype, which will get 60 mpg on a run, and 45 around town. These could be shipped to the USA. Some are, but I guess the demand is not there, or more would.


The entire U.S. highway system is funded with a combination of fuel taxes (cents/gallon) and appropriations from the general budget. While the demand is there for highly efficient cars, there is nothing in place that would fund the highway system (in its current state) with a severe market shift toward fuel efficiency, exacerbating existing funding/corruption problems in our current highway industry. You can call it "policy," "collusion" or "conspiracy". My guess is it's all three.
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Unread postby Ghog » Tue 02 Aug 2005, 01:00:50

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('shady28', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ghog', '
')I am interested NOW. Problem is demand controls supply. The Toyota Prius is on a 6-8 month waiting list, Honda Accord is just too expensive. We have basically 2 choices for a diesel. Volkswagon (sorry I don't like) and Mercedes (clean diesel, but very expensive). If we could get more selection here and at different price points, I would do it now. At least I don't drive an SUV (a small coupe). I am waiting and hoping for more choices here soon to improve availability and costs.


If prices continue to rise, supply of highly efficient vehicles and diesels will get worse not better. Oil just made a new all time high (62.25 at the moment).

Have you looked at diesel Jettas? They are pretty nice. I'm thinking there is a diesel passat as well.


I hear you, but the real problem is that no one is making these vehicles in large quantities for the US. They can build 1 million trucks, but only 60,000 Prius. See my point.

I am familiar with the Jettas, just not crazy about Volkswagon. Sorry. :)

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'T')hese could be shipped to the USA. Some are, but I guess the demand is not there, or more would


What is the surcharge for this? It may not pay do it. I guess my real issue is having to jump through hoops just to be more efficient and reduce oil consumption.
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Unread postby emersonbiggins » Tue 02 Aug 2005, 01:56:16

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ghog', '
')What is the surcharge for this? It may not pay do it. I guess my real issue is having to jump through hoops just to be more efficient and reduce oil consumption.


The U.S. probably has a medley of emissions/safety regulations that preclude one's attempt to import foreign cars as well. I don't know about this after the implementation of Kyoto, though.
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