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November 25th, 2009

Are small cars doomed to fail in the American market?

Posted by Harry Fuller @ 6:05 pm

Categories: Blogroll, air pollution, biofuel, cars & traffic, conservation, energy, engineering, federal government, fossil fuel, green tech, law & politics, mass transit, petroleum

Tags: Car, Harry Fuller

Some auto industry analysts are warning that small, fuel efficient cars are NOT going to dominate the U.S. market. Does that mean failure for the GM Volt, Detroit’s first plug-in car, next year? Here’s a look at the potential for success or failure of smaller cars in the U.S. market. There seems no question that the single most important factor in determining how big we drive: gasoline prices.

Harry FullerA newsman since 1969, Harry Fuller has worked for CBS, ABC, CNBC Europe, CNET and was founding news director at TechTV. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.

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  • Most Recent of 42 Talkback(s)
if the attitude doesn't change, small efficiency will not be popular, fail?
even though people tend to make rational excuses for their attitude towards smaller, slower cars, the real psychological reason will always be arrogance and respect. people want to be faster or stron... (Read the rest)
Posted by: wessonjoe Posted on: 12/21/09 You are currently: a Guest | | Terms of Use
Well, Americans will at least buy cars that get better gas mileage, and are  DonnieBoy | 11/25/09
The first question is...  itpro_z | 11/26/09
The second question is...  jorjitop | 11/29/09
If they're cheaper, they'll win in the end...  zkiwi | 11/25/09
They'll win,  Richard Flude | 11/25/09
Well, cheaper, and the price of gas hight enough, and they will buy them.  DonnieBoy | 11/25/09
Does the world even care about the American Market?  croberts | 11/25/09
American Market  Bradish@... | 11/25/09
Small cars will succeed because the have been for quite a while  bhaydama | 11/25/09
In the US small cars will fail  T1Oracle | 11/25/09
The US isn't a good sample of what's available.  snberk341 | 11/26/09
all well and fine, unless of course you are in the small car  GuidingLight | 11/27/09
Corporations create the conditions they blame everyone for.  HypnoToad72 | 11/26/09
RE: Are small cars doomed to fail in the American market?  Bradish@... | 11/25/09
People don't drive SUV's for saftey  T1Oracle | 11/25/09
Not only clueless, but condescending as well  itpro_z | 11/26/09
Perhaps that is the problem  croberts | 11/26/09
Thank you, I will  itpro_z | 11/26/09
My Altima V6 sedan  T1Oracle | 11/29/09
So what about short women in big SUV's in the city?  T1Oracle | 11/29/09
So analyze what's happening.  magash@... | 11/29/09
if the attitude doesn't change, small efficiency will not be popular, fail?  wessonjoe | 12/21/09
RE: Are small cars doomed to fail in the American market?  the_fiddler_on_the_roof | 11/25/09
The Volt is not a small car.  cs4096 | 11/25/09
RE: Are small cars doomed to fail in the American market?  bhaydama | 11/25/09
RE: Americans are waiting for more small cars selections.  toolman1 | 11/26/09
I think Fuller is nutty  gfryesc@... | 11/26/09
Want people to buy small cars?  davebarnes | 11/26/09
My '79 CJ-7 V-8 had about 115 HP...  Feldwebel Wolfenstool | 11/26/09
My '77 Z-28 had 180 HP  clfitz | 11/27/09
RE: Are small cars doomed to fail in the American market?  hmcsret@... | 11/26/09
Define "small"  Yagotta B. Kidding | 11/26/09
I drive a small car and the inconsiderate wankers who drive the big ones,  HypnoToad72 | 11/26/09
That is just GM bull s%*t  wackoae | 11/26/09
That is a big risk to take if you are incorrect  GuidingLight | 11/27/09
Fuel efficient, yes - small, no.  CobraA1 | 11/26/09
Can i drive it to work in the snow?  zmud | 11/27/09
Really, there aren't many places that demand  clfitz | 11/27/09
It can make a difference in low traction conditions.  CobraA1 | 11/27/09
What's up with Harry Fuller? 8 out of the 20 blogs right now?  The Flintstones | 11/27/09
Go back to your cave Fred. (nt)  croberts | 11/27/09
Nah, Wilma won't let me in.  The Flintstones | 11/27/09

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