SUV Fun Facts

[c9]

Most large SUVs are illegal to drive on residential roads in California, and possibly in many areas of North America: http://slate.msn.com/id/2104755/

Last night on the Simpsons, SUVs were mocked: Marge needed to get past several SUVs which were driving down the highway, but they were blocking all lanes and too tall to even see past. She was getting frustrated, but Homer calmed her by saying, "Don't worry, there's a gentle curve coming up!" At the gentle curve, the SUVs all rolled over and caught fire, etc. Cute but not 100% exagerated.

Best and Worst mileage amongst light trucks: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/best/bestworstEPAtrucksNF.shtml
(remember, SUVs are classed as light trucks so that manufacturers don't have to do as much crash testing, as much development work, and can meet easier mileage and safety standards)

Sadly, we can't just blame American automakers for this sort of stuff -- all automakers are getting into it. For example, Subaru (the very queer-positive automaker) is changing their Outback SEDAN slightly so that it's officially a truck. A sedan. For fuck's sake. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=483179

Even the normally smart Europeans are getting into the game: VW is happily selling its Touareg SUV, BMW has its X3. *sigh*

What are the chances that the smart car will be a huge hit in North America? Or the mini?

Comments

[simplisticton.livejournal.com]

You can't blame the auto manufacturers for giving people what they want. Quoting from the previous article you posted...

"...internal industry market research concluded that S.U.V.s tend to be bought by people who are insecure, vain, self-centered, and self-absorbed, who are frequently nervous about their marriages, and who lack confidence in their driving skills.

[c9.livejournal.com]

I can blame whoever I want. :) Yes, they're just doing their job in the capitalist system, but it's annoying. I think companies should be forced to do good, not evil. Not sure how to make that happen. People are encouraged to do good, in some ways. Companies however are structured so that profit is the only motive.

[bonoboboy.livejournal.com]

Great post, even if I'm now extremely disappointed with Subaru now. I think this is my one big qualm of living in the Western portion of the U.S./Canada again - because you *have* to have a car in those areas because the distance between places is so big! BUt so many people choose SUVs instead ... it's such a waste, as well as a big threat to the safety of people who drive smaller vehicles.

[jdhorner.livejournal.com]

i miss my mini cooper.

:: sad face ::

[c9.livejournal.com]

Poor muffin. *pat, pat*

I understand. I miss my bike. :)

[dipdewdog.livejournal.com]

i would love a smart car...

[c9.livejournal.com]

They ROCK, I totally want one. Except that they're $16k CDN, which is more than say a Saturn Ion.

[evad-cgy.livejournal.com]

I still want a mini type-S!!!
But then I love small cars that go fast :P

In defense of SUV lovers... my mother has few requirements for a vehicle, but the main one is she must be high up so that she can see in traffic.

I was quite happy earlier this year, when I convinced her that she didn't need a Honda Pilot... and that a CRV would be perfect.

She loves her new CRV!

[c9.livejournal.com]

What will she do when *everyone* is high up too, and she can't see again?

[evad-cgy.livejournal.com]

perhaps then it would be time for an 18 wheeler?!?

[simplisticton.livejournal.com]

Vehicular Darwinism. I buy an SUV to be up higher, so Jane buys an SUV to be up higher. Eventually everyone is forced to buy an SUV to be "safe". Madness, utter madness!

It's 2005! I want my flying robot car!!!

[evad-cgy.livejournal.com]

If you can hold out until 2007, you can have your own transporter room!