03-30-2009, 08:00 PM
Yep, my info is from $4 gas days. Actually EVERY model is sitting on the lots these days, even with gas at $2. And every car maker is showing losses, too, for that matter.
But it's the $4 gas days,not CAFE standards, that killed GM when SUV sales died. Toyota had been developing a hybrid long before the $4 gas days, so that when the time came, they were more ready, but not immune, of course.
And when the rest of the economy crashed for reasons largely (but not entirely) unrelated to gas prices, GM was in a poorer position to weather it.
My point is to be wary of conservatives grumbling about who can run a car company.
But it's the $4 gas days,not CAFE standards, that killed GM when SUV sales died. Toyota had been developing a hybrid long before the $4 gas days, so that when the time came, they were more ready, but not immune, of course.
And when the rest of the economy crashed for reasons largely (but not entirely) unrelated to gas prices, GM was in a poorer position to weather it.
My point is to be wary of conservatives grumbling about who can run a car company.