nfb: Mark my words.....

[Joe 1320]

And now ford...........

"Ford's big loss: $8.7 billion in 3 months


The US automaker gets slammed by record-high gas prices, as consumers drop trucks and SUVs for smaller versions."


http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com...2579&GT1=33002


Pretty soon, the used market will be so flooded with Trucks and SUVs, we'll be able to pick up a used parts hauler for peanuts.

[Black97]

Yeah I was reading the other day that the best selling vehicle in Canada for years, the Ford F-150 series has been topped by Honda Civic's.

Couldn't find the article but there seem to be several around and include the US as well.

http://www.hybridcars.com/news/civic...es-trucks.html

[Wild Willy]

There is always going to be a need for trucks- work vehicles, for plumbers and construction guys, snow plows and parts chasers- what is screwy is all the homeowners that are driving big, tall, heavy 4-WD vehicles becasue they need the space for their kids and don't want to be seen as a soccer mom-

When the manufactureres killed of the full-sized station wagon, they forced a significant percentage of car-buyers into trucks. And no way can a 6 or 7 thousand pound truck, with low-gearing make the mileage of a car- There are some cross-over vehicles, but not enough and not the right types- Volvo, mercedes, and BMW have always built sporty wagons that got decent mileage, and that you aren't embarassed to be seen in- at one heck of a price, too- we need the american car manufacturers to step up and produce what the market needs- look at all the Subaru Outbacks and Foresters you see on the road, especially in snow country like Vermont or Colorado-

I have owned 2 Subaru wagons, both standards, both bought relatively cheaply, used- but most owners won't part with them until they are worn out- I don't need a big, heavy truck with 10 MPG, but I do drive off-road to go canoing, or fishing, and, when it snows, I still need to get to work- I have an older S10 Blazer, V6 that is reasonable to drive, can pull my trailer, but, like everything, it is a compromise. Lately some of the AWD mini-vans have been catching my eye, but I wish you could go part-time 4WD in them, for gas mileage- Dunno, I just drive the Z in nice weather, it is a hobby/fun car, not my daily work vehicle. Mileage is not as important, but it probably does better than my truck- and is a whole lot more fun to drive!

[Joe 1320]

You can thank the currect administration for this mess. The reason is that the government made trucks and SUVs over a certain threshold (either weight or price, I can't remember) a 100% write off for small business owners. So every flea market vender, garage sale specialist, or at home hair dresser can now purchase an oversize land barge whether they need it or not, and write it off. That fueled the truck and SUV craze like drugs to a junkie. People automatically thought "Hey, I can have an upscale truck/SUV and good old uncle sam picks up the tab". Financially educated see the gross misunderstanding of that whole principle. Now those owners are puckering big time.

[Joshu]

oversize land barge

Hahahahahaha!