Date:         Thu, 27 May 2004 13:00:39 -0400
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Subaru Engines (NVC)
Comments: To: Andrew Fox <afox@CNR.COLOSTATE.EDU>
In-Reply-To:  <Pine.GSO.4.44.0405270953220.3983-100000@neota>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

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.