Quote:
Originally Posted by rmay635703
The average american consumer was TAUGHT stupidity over the generations by auto manufacturers, the old trucks did not have huge horsepower and were purpose built.
If anyone would avertise to the virutues of saving money,not needing more power we could slowly relearn society but it might take the next 100years just as it took roughly 70 years to teach us to be wastefull pigs.
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After reading through this the second time, I disagree. This thinking puts the onus of responsibility and the culprit entirely on the auto manufacturer, and that gives them too much credit.
Without a doubt, both the auto manufacturer and the consumer influence each other. The marketing departments and salesmen convince the consumer they need a certain type and brand of vehicle, but the engineers and think-tanks also listen to consumer desire.
What I really believe is at the heart of human nature is the tendency to react to situations rather than take a broader and longer view. When gas is cheap, the consumer reacts by buying gas guzzlers because they can afford them and it projects the image they desire. When gas is expensive, or when "Green" is vogue, the consumer reacts by purchasing something more fuel efficient. It's a financial decision for many, and a way to feel morally superior for others (thinking of Hollywood actors here).
Fuel prices in the U.S. have historically been low with price spikes that the consumer would endure. They had no reason to drive a more efficient vehicle because eventually prices would drop back down near to the previous cheap price.
Once fuel prices become "expensive" and remain there over many years, the consumer will demand increasingly more fuel efficient vehicles.