Do I care about fuel mileage? Somewhat. However my desires (which unfortunately correspond with what the mass marketing folks supply in cars) are I can go up grades of 5% in 4th gear at the speed limit WITH my AC running. I wouldn't mind being also able to tow a trailer of 1500lbs under those circumstances. However fuel effiiciency does not always mean GREEN cars. My old air cooled 71 Super Beetle got 30 miles to the gallon. And was a pretty un-green car. The car manufacturers supply what the public buys...and which makes the most profit. Luxury cars and SUVs have a much higher profit margin than econo-boxes. VW, in general, has moved away from econo-boxes (especially in the North American market) into the luxury market (a GOLF for $30K!) And people buy them. Toyota and Honda saw the same things, and created the Acura and Lexus brands to accomodate the market trend. And high fuel prices have people interested in higher fuel efficient vehicles...but not at the expense of their luxury. |
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