Quote:
Originally Posted by Diesel_Dave
So, therefore, the manufacturers' entire market is to people who aren't buying based on economy. So why design for economy if that's not what your customers are looking for?
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One more thought on that sentiment: things
are changing (fortunately).
Market forces (rising fuel prices) and regulation (CAFE, in the U.S.) are bringing more and more efficient cars to market. For proof, look at the revival of the subcompact segment in the U.S. - 5 years ago there was precious little to choose from. Lots now! There are even 4 or 5 choices in the "mini" sub-subcompact segment! (Spark, Smart, Fiat, Mini, iQ, etc.)
Whenever fuel prices spike, surveys show that "regular" consumers in the new vehicle market make MPG a priority, and the manufacturers are responding. Of course, normal consumers almost always immediately slip back to buying pickups and crossover/SUV's when fuel prices fall again, but that's another topic.
The upside for those of us who have decided to only ever fish in pre-owned waters is more and more efficient choices are coming down the pipe.