It wasn't too long ago that even the most conservative saw that global warming was probably real, and everyone was paying over $4 per gallon of gas. Many felt that it was time for a change in the auto industry- those of us interested in auto design had taken a peek overseas at Smart and Citroen and VW and seen low emission vehicles getting over 50 miles per gallon already, and new that this was the way America would have to go. SUVs dropped off Consumer reports top 10 sales list (save for number 10) and the world braced for America's foresight and green-minded autos.
Then none came.
The first round consisted of bigger, more luxurious SUVs. Then some hybrid SUVs. A hybrid SUV? So for an extra 10k your dangerous, self important, space-wasting vehicle can get you an additional 5mpg, getting you in line with the worst of the sedans? Then there were some poorly marketed hybrids. Quick, name an American made hybrid car. Does anything come to mind?
So the "Big three" floundered recently, and are now facing serious financial challenges. And right now, through force, we are going to see the face of the American vehicle change.
Chrysler is now, basically owned by Fiat. Imagine what you think a Fiat automobile looks like. Chances are, you imagined a small, red hatchback. Fiat doesn't make big cars.
Ford announced that they are practically going to start over- concentrating on greener autos- and pay more attention to what people want.
GM made one of the biggest moves, selling Hummer, a type of vehicle that has no business existing anyhow.
What can we learn from this? Consumers still have the power to push the market in the direction they want. Finally the American car industry is realizing that they need to pay closer attention, and have a little foresight. Because next time, there might not be a bailout.
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