What GM’s Downsizing Means for Drivers

Work Week

I opt for the 4 day work week. Plus many jobs can be done on the computer at home. That way many people would only commute 3 days a week. We have the capacity to do this; we need the leadership and vision. We are trapped into thinking that we have to "go to work." Do the work at home. Students in high school could go 2 to 3 days a week. On the other days they could be logged in doing assignments and projects. This is doable. Where is the vision in this country?

skyreader7 of TX @ Jun 17, 2008 12:42:58 PM

Electric Bikes Are Better!

Why wait for a small, efficient electric vehicle?

You can have an electric bike today! Some go as fast as 50MPH without pedaling! Those power bikes can also haul all your groceries in a tandem tow cart. Some models now have a fiberglass covering to protect you from the elements. Others have three and four wheels.

Get ready for the Flintstonemobiles, pedal AND electric powered, of course!

Kevin Schmidt, Ojai CA of CA @ Jun 17, 2008 10:15:25 AM

Let GM die

If you are a true Keynesian that believes in free markets, then let's not be sponsoring bailouts for GM because some corporate executive made a bad decision.

There are too many mega-car companies, and they all suffer when they have to share the limited demand.

Rick Cain of OK @ Jun 16, 2008 20:45:26 PM

GM

Imagine what would have happened if Gm decided not to kill the EV1 and produced it instead of the Hummer...

"Why kill the Electro car?"

RennieB of @ Jun 16, 2008 02:08:59 AM

TRUCKS

I AM A RETIRED G.M. WORKER FROM THE ARLINGTON PLANT. I WRITE A SUGGESTION THAT G.M. BUILD SUV ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO SMALL AND AS A GAS SAVER I SEEM THIS PROBLEM TWO YEARS AGO. THEY TURN THE SUGGESTION DOWN NOW IF THEY WOULD HAVE WENT AHEAD A MAKE THE SAME SUV THE SAME LOOK BUT SMALLER ALSO A GAS SAVER THEY WOULD BE HEAD OF THE GAS PRICE AND MAKING MONEY ALSO STILL MAKING THE LARGE SUV THEY WILL STILL SALE BECAUSE THERE ARE PEOPLE WILL BUY THAT SUV FROM G.M. NOW THEY ARE BITTING THERE HEADS OFF WILL ALL THEY HAVE TOO DO IS KEEP THE SAME DESIGNED AND MAKE A SMALL SUV THAT LOOK LIKE THE ONE THAT IS BEING BUILT AND ADD A SMALL GAS SAVER GO WITH THE TIME NOT WANTED YOU FEEL A COMPANY WON'T. THE PUBLIC AND ALSO THE HYRID SMALL AND THAT WILL END THERE PROBLEM AND REPEAT AND GAIN MORE CUSTOMER

Beverly A. Davis of TX @ Jun 15, 2008 21:39:51 PM

SUV alternative

The Hyundai Elantra can seat 4 and tow up to 1500 lbs. European engineers can compress alot of power in small engines. There is really no need for a huge V8 engine. For example Mercedes Eurovan can tow up to 1500 lbs and it only has a 4 cylinder engine.

Daniel of VA @ Jun 15, 2008 21:11:06 PM

Global battle of the automakers!

I'm kind of a GM loyalist, I've owned many GM products, a couple dating all the way back to the 1960's. Currently I've got a Pontiac coupe, and it's about to roll over the 100k mark and still pulling like a mad pit bull.

I'm not a fan of Hummer and Escalade etc. I think if you want a truck, fine, buy yourself a 1/2 ton with 2WD and overdrive, and be smart in how you use it. Done correctly, you can have something like that as a daily driver. Toyota's into the pickup thing now in a Big Way, building things that rival the HD pickups and F250's and the like. I pronounce, 'overkill'. I don't need seating for four in a truck. I intend to utilize the truck for hauling purposes, hence the large empty box located behind the cab. I will spot-paint the truck myself. I will fix the truck myself. I don't need dual-overhead heated GPS cupholders, either. Drains the battery. Unpimp ze farm-wagon, bitte.

Bert of OR @ Jun 15, 2008 20:16:14 PM

slight reality check

The US market is very differant than the european market. First, the distances traveled in the US can be much greater.Second, in europe, there are almost no large pick ups, or SUV type vehicles. It may come as a surprise, but some people actually NEED big cars, vans or an SUV type thing. That said, most SUV owners around here do not. Cars no longer use "carburetors", and have not for years. All vehicles use fuel injection. The advent of huge computing power in small spaces is what makes the gains in economy or power possible. The consumers in the US have voted with their wallets for power for the last 15 or so years.Now, they are voting for economy in ever greater numbers.This is going to require a shift in the sort of vehicles being produced. It takes 2 to 5 years to develop a "platform" and bring it into production.Anticipating the market is really difficult, and whichever company does it the best will prosper. The europeans have a lead that the US has not taken advantage of. Most of the "fleet" in europe are diesel.powered cars. The diesel offers more power for the size, better fuel economy, and due to less fuel usage, less pollution. US customers are not diesel friendly though, so some education is going to be necessary.There will have to be more use of small gas engines, with turbos or superchargers to make up the power deficit.I speak from experience that this formula works. I drive a large (by european standards) aerodynamic car( a station wagon in fact), with a 2.2 litre engine with a turbo. I get 21.2 MPG commuting every day in city traffic, and 32-33 mpg on the highway.I have done so for years. My car is 21 years old now, and only now are the other manufacturers offering the economy and performance that was available to discerning owners 2 decades ago. eventually, I will replace this car, but for now I see nothing that will fill the bill, and give me a quantum leap in operating economy vs performance. Until then, Happy motoring!!

jesse bogan of MD @ Jun 15, 2008 18:41:41 PM