[8cd03gro]

Originally Posted by Number 3

First, I undestand the anger. I'm not for any additional taxes....PERIOD.

However, before you crucify GM or Akerson, please remember that every CEO has touched on this, including Mulally if I recall correctly. Even Lutz has said it.

Now what you are all missing is what CAFE is doing. CAFE is forcing everybody to build and sell smaller cars. But if gas stays in the 3 to 4 dollar range, what customer will buy a smaller car? Full Size Truck sales are still cruising right along at 4 bucks per gallon.

I don't think Akerson is suggesting that they tax us just because he thinks we should pay more taxes.

He is trying to make a point with the Government that if you are removing the free market from the manufacturers, you have to take the next step.

CAFE doesn't care if gas goes down to $2/gallon. It is driving draconian measures that will not be cheap and are causing ALL OEMs to spend and invest in technlogies that are being required to meet CAFE, not market demands.

Are any of you demanding a 62 MPG car? Are any of you demanding a car or truck with less than 100 g of CO2 output? No, it's being legally mandated. But if you aren't demanding it, are you willing to pay for it? Not likely.

So, yes, be POed, just not at GM or the other OEMs. This is just the natural discussion that has to happen when you legally require the auto companies to produce cars that the customer isn't demanding, asking for or more importantly, willing to pay a premium for.

Really?



If gas stays at $3 to $4/gal, MORE people will buy smaller vehicles because they're fuel efficient. You're suggesting that an increase in prices will force people to buy smaller vehicles, yet you claim to support the free market. What about the free market in regard to the consumer?