Signs of the Times

Recently I’ve noticed some unbelievable discounts on SUV’s. One dealer is offering $9,000 off, another $10,010 off and still another $12,000 off. I don’t know what kind of interest rate those discounted prices carry, but I bet you can get a great deal if you will just take that guzzler off the dealer’s hands.

It’s amazing that the big three American automakers have told Congress over and over that they would need 10-15 years to decrease their fleet gas mileage. They even had the rules set so cars built on a truck frame did not count in the total fleet mileage.

Now, like a miracle, our American big three are producing automobiles that are advertised to rival the foreign manufacturers in gas mileage. In fact the rush is on for the American big three to produce hybrid automobiles to try to catch up with the competition.

Before buying one of those American hybrids, you better check closely. Some only get two or three miles more per gallon than the non-hybrid models. Granted some American hybrids are well engineered but a whole lot are lacking in the best technology.

Still, it is unbelievable how fast the foot dragging American big three can rise to the occasion when the public demands it. And all these years we’ve been told it was near impossible. Maybe the next lesson will be how to make a profit.