Car sales in June dropped over 18% to the lowest level in 10 years. Demand for small, fuel-efficient cars continues to grow, however, as pickup truck and SUV sales decreased. This shift has blindsided every automaker except for Honda, whose sales rose 1% in June. Even Toyota was unable to meet demand for its fuel efficient models. Gas prices, a slow economy, and a slowdown in housing construction have all been blamed for the drop in sales. Curiously, it is not only efficient models like the Toyota Prius that are in high demand - according to Forbes, the full size SUV Lexus LX, that gets 14 mpg, is the second most wanted vehicle after the Prius. Some auto analysts note that the the SUV market, though struggling, isn't dead. [Source: NY Times, Yahoo! Autos]
2 comments:
While most people are looking at cars to cut fuel costs, there are some folks who are looking to bicycles and other human powered or human/electric vehicles to eliminate fuel costs. Consider the velomobile, a recumbent trike with a full or partial fairing. These vehicles can be ridden in inclement as well as good weather and can clip along at 30 mph. on level ground with little effort.
Another alternative to the car is the electric bike. These vehicles are human powered with electric assist. . Adding a trailer to a bicycle gives it versatility by being able to haul children, groceries and other heavy items. With electric assist, the weight is not noticed because the electric motor assists in the work.
Neither the electric bike, nor the velomobile are cheap. However the average cost of owning a car in today’s world is over $8,000. An electric bike can pay for itself in less than a month. A Velomobile pays for itself in a year
There is a huge demand for efficient cars and hybrids due to high gasoline prices.The recent disaster in Japan is another factor for the high demand since Japanese production was affected for awhile. As for SUV's there will always be people with money who don't mind paying extra for gas. Some folks just like big cars.
Post a Comment