The American automakers have built a reputation building big cars that are reliable for about the first three years and reliable trucks that are not fuel efficient. It seems like they couldn’t get two things to match. The sub par parts and mechanics of American made cars tended to begin breaking down, costing more than foreign imports such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan the longer the consumer owned the vehicle. GM, FORD, and Chrysler have also been challenged in the area of design often creating vehicles that at best looked average, unless you were purchasing a truck.
Americans like SUVs and trucks, so the automakers focused more on perfecting these type of vehicles. The problem now is gas prices are higher on average than they were at the beginning of the SUV boom and fuel efficiency is becoming more and more regulated by the federal government. As a result, GM and Chrysler had to file for reconstruction bankruptcy and Ford’s sales went down.
Chevrolet is producing a vehicle that boasts it can get 230 miles to the gallon.
The automakers had begun to repent for their sins by building more reliable, beautifully designed automobiles in recent years, but the damage had already been done. Toyota and Honda began the hybrid revolution way before it was popular and now the American automakers are playing catch up. One of the CEO’s even said in so many words,”we are going to begin to build cars that don’t suck,” after filing for bankruptcy. I believe in supporting American automakers, but I also believe they must respect the American consumer by offering the best.
Having said that, I am proud of their turn around. Ford and GM have begun to create hybrid vehicles that are sleekly styled, reliable and fuel efficient. Although these vehicles could be more economical, the automakers are taking a step in the right direction. I like to drive trucks and the ideal of a hybrid Tahoe is downright exciting to me. It is my goal to own one in the future. Chevrolet is producing a vehicle that boasts it can get 230 miles to the gallon. It is a hybrid electric vehicle called the Chevrolet Volt. The Volt is expected to reach the sales floor in November of 2010.
The Volt is estimated to cost around $40,000. If this is any indication of what the new GM and Ford will look like, maybe Toyota, Honda and other foreign car makers need to keep a watchful eye.
