Homestead mailing list

[Don Bowen KI6DIU <don.bowen AT earthlink.net>]

At 9/20/2007, you wrote:
> Actually, people do want higher mileage cars. This is one reason why
> US car makers are generally in bad shape. In an ideal world, car
> makers would figure this out, but for whatever reason -- and I'm
> willing to bet it has to do with government subsidies -- they really,
> really like to make light trucks and vans. They just haven't figured
> out that sales are down because no one wants to buy their output.

It costs about the same to make and deliver any size car.  Therefore the 
greater profit comes from the more expensive cars.

People want higher mileage but do not want real economy.  What they really 
want is a suspension of the laws of physics.    If people really wanted 
economical cars they would be buying Honda Fits and CRVs rather than Civics 
and Odysseys as just one small example.  And they would be driving them 
200,000 miles rather than leasing and starting over every two years.

When I bought my pickup, I had a time trying to find a regular cab, short 
bed with a small V-8 and manual.  The dealer lots were and are filled with 
huge engines, four door, long bed, etc.  People are convinced that they 
need the biggest.



Don Bowen              Awl Knotted Up                       KI6DIU
http://www.braingarage.com