From the UPI article, "Move over SUVs; time is ripe for hybrids": J.D. Power also reported that the average SUV transaction price dropped 2 percent, or $620, in July compared to a year ago at a time when overall new vehicle prices actually rose slightly. "The data clearly suggest the SUV segment is under exceptional pressure," said Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at Power Information Network, the group's research arm. "Higher gas prices and a renewed emphasis on cars by some of the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) have both likely played a role in this trend." Rather, many car analysts are expecting more consumer interest in energy-efficient cars, including hybrids that use both renewable energy and petroleum to keep its motor running, especially if oil prices continue to climb further south. And that could prove to be a big boom for Japanese auto makers, who have taken the lead in developing energy-efficient cars in a country that has to import all its crude oil supply and gas has never been cheap as a result. In fact, some car analysts expect the alternative energy vehicle market to be worth over $30 billion over the next few years.
I think I flashed back to the final duel between Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone in Adventures of Robin Hood: "You've come to the pump once too often!" "When this is over, my friend, there'll be no need for me to come again."
