[car fanatics]

Source
Photo credit: General Motors
February 27, 2012
By: CF staff

Three years after the U.S. auto industry nearly collapsed, sales of cars and trucks are surging. Sales could exceed 14 million this year, above last year's 12.8 million.

The result: Carmakers are adding shifts and hiring thousands of workers around the country. Carmakers and parts companies added more than 38,000 jobs last year, reaching a total of 717,000. And automakers have announced plans to add another 13,000 this year, mostly on night shifts.

[REVolution]

This is great news! I hope the economy continues its (slow) growth.

[MOPAR74]

and people said the bailouts werent a good idea....

[ncguy]

I feel the economy will depend on fuel prices, if it climbs to whats predicted this summer it could put us right back to 2008. At least the D3 has positioned themselves to better compete with far better, more fuel efficient cars over the past couple years.

[nell_z]

At $5 a gallon, Chrysler better be happy they got those 8-speeds and the Dart this soon.

[McLovin]

Higher gas prices means sales of fuel efficient Ford vehicles.

[McLovin]

Higher gas prices means sales of fuel efficient Ford vehicles.

[REVolution]

I agree, Wings. The Fusion Hybrid/Energi, C-Max Hybrid, Focus, Fiesta and the BEV cars are going to be a hit for them. They really made the right moves and they are going to reap the rewards. I think Dodge, might struggle but will make out ok since they only have the Dart so far. I know many of the Mopar boys won't agree with me, but I think Jeep should have a hybrid GC or Compass. It'll be well worth it for them.

[nell_z]

Either that or diesel. Shit, they have both technologies at their fingertips, and smaller turbo engines. Why not?

[REVolution]

I have a problem with diesel in this country. Diesel fuel costs more than Premium in many states and the added price of both the diesel option plus the cost of fuel doesn't really make sense for many people.

[MOPAR74]

Diesel GC is coming this fall


unlike some Dbags on here, im not opposed to Hybrids.... as long as they are done right

[nell_z]

RotaryKing aka Rev;183975 Wrote:I have a problem with diesel in this country. Diesel fuel costs more than Premium in many states and the added price of both the diesel option plus the cost of fuel doesn't really make sense for many people.

The only tech that does make sense is a SkyActiv like system along with turbocharging smaller engines. A hybrid doesn't make much sense either economically.

[REVolution]

I agree with you on that. The thing that makes hybrids a bit more appealing is the fact that you get a tax break on it, so it does bring the price down. Hybrids still make more sense in cities, but I think that the new Fusion Hybrid, and Camry Hybrid with over 45mpg highway (I think thats it now, correct me if I'm wrong), with all the luxury and plush comforts for a respectable price tag.

[nell_z]

If Chrysler can manage that and EPA numbers similar to Hyundai's, the 200 will also be a hit. But Ford has a 1.0 3-cylinder that's coming soon, putting down an early expectancy of 55 MPG, with 177 horses. That makes hybrid numbers look like shit, while being cheaper for the consumer.

[iDream Theater]

If gas goes that high, I think I'll be picking up a brand new pickup on clearance at that point. :yeeees: