Small / economy car deathwatch: we've passed "peak econobox" again

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I didn't even know about the WRV

I see some once in a while, including one being used as a taxi in my hometown.

The HRV is built on the Fit platform... I figure it's already the car's replacement.

At least as an indirect replacement, even though its interior is not nearly as versatile as the Fit.

[niky]

The problem with tarriffs arises when they're unexpected. Throws a spanner into long term product planning.

Also, China doesn't need to steal IP when it can coerce foreign companies into sharing tech. Beyond that, corporate buyouts and high profile headhunting has given them the ability to develop with the best of them at this point. Punishing China now for past indisgressions is a bit like closing the stable door after a stampede has knocked down the fence.

(economics, not politics!)

That said, market conditions now still militate against the small and the cheap in the US. Without a major fuel crisis pushing oil into the 100-120 dollar per barrel range, that's not going to change any time soon.

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

At least as an indirect replacement, even though its interior is not nearly as versatile as the Fit.

I hate how the HR-V sacrifices flexibility for style.

[redpoint5]

Listened again to a Radiolab episode about game theory. The best economic strategy is tit-for-tat with occasional mercy shown. In computer simulations, the winning strategy is to be "kind" in trade to begin with, and only retaliate in proportion and in response to a trade partner's negative actions. About 10% of the time, withhold retaliation.

I don't follow politics so I don't know if the trade war was the best long term strategy or not.

[freebeard]

I don't follow politics so I don't know if the trade war was the best long term strategy or not.

Do you follow Scott Adams? He advocates for no trade deal until the fentanyl pushing is reduced to zero.

They're finding enough at the Southern border to OD millions of people.

[redpoint5]

SA has too many podcasts for me to keep up, and they are at too leisurely of a pace. That said, I listen to most of the ones you link to or mention. I'd subscribe if he tightened them up and did 1 per week instead of daily.

[freebeard]

I'd like to be the one to pull this back ontopic, ...but https://www.scottadamssays.com/ and https://twitter.com/ScottAdamsSays. I have the time for Youtube at 1.5x (right-arrow 10 times to get past the simultaneous sip).

[redpoint5]

The other thing is I only know how to access SA content via Youtube, and that requires keeping the app "in focus" on my phone even if I only want to listen. My podcast apps don't find his podcast, so I have no audio only access.

Youtube requires a subscription for audio only "background" access on a phone.

[MetroMPG]

On topic! I saw another rumour: the Chevrolet Sonic is living on borrowed time in the States.


It was dropped in Canada this year.


Niky: I don't think it's mostly about fuel prices. Manufacturers are also eager to get people into crossovers that are based on a shared subcompact platform because the starting MSRP of the crossover is often many thousands of $ higher than the non-subcompact, even with similar fuel economy (same drivetrain) and utility. EG: Chevy Sonic and the Trax. Mazda 3 and CX3. Nissan Micra and Kicks.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

On topic! I saw another rumour: the Chevrolet Sonic is living on borrowed time in the States.


It was dropped in Canada this year.


Niky: I don't think it's mostly about fuel prices. Manufacturers are also eager to get people into crossovers that are based on a shared subcompact platform because the starting MSRP of the crossover is often many thousands of $ higher than the non-subcompact, even with similar fuel economy (same drivetrain) and utility. EG: Chevy Sonic and the Trax. Mazda 3 and CX3. Nissan Micra and Kicks.

I would say it is only a matter of time. The Sonic is 8 years old and there have been no pictures of a next generation vehicle testing. It is also the only subcompact car assembled in the USA so I doubt GM makes any money on it.

[litesong]

Originally Posted by Xist

.....always forget to wear a watch to work.

All ya have ta do, is attach it right next to your prison ankle monitor.