When it comes to mainstream auto manufacturers, those selling a full range of cars and trucks in great quantities, wouldn't you tend to think that Honda and Toyota would be the leaders, and that the domestic brands would lag far behind? If so, you would only be one-third correct, if the latest figures from the U.S. government's official fuel economy ratings (published by the Department of Energy, the Office of Energy Efficiency, and the Environmental Protection Agency) are to be believed.

Here's the eye opener.

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It might not surprise you that Honda would rank near the top; However, the fact that Chevrolet -- which provides a full spectrum of vehicles from the miserly Aveo to gas-guzzling light trucks and SUVs -- would score more than 2 mpg higher than Toyota, is an eye-opener. Toyota, with the Tundra pickup and Sequoia full-sized SUV, offers vehicles in virtually every category and at the same time offers the Prius, the darling of the green crowd. A score this much lower than Chevrolet's must come as a surprise.

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What it says to me is that Chevrolet, in spite of common perceptions, is doing an outstanding job in meeting the needs of the marketplace, on an across-the-board basis. Moreover GM, with three brands in the Top 10 (four if you count Suzuki, in which it has a substantial ownership stake), is easily the domestic manufacturer best positioned to weather the current spike in petrol prices, its current stock price notwithstanding.

Speaking of petrol prices, has anyone noticed a slight retreat in prices over the last week or 10 days? Here in Southern California, it seemed that two weeks ago, almost everyone in my area was at $4.59 for regular but over the past week prices seem to have settled in at about $4.45 per gallon where one Mobil station that I frequent is now at $4.38. (I do not take into account Arco, which does not accept credit cards. Arco seems to be about three to five cents a gallon lower than neighborhood competition.) It seems that the oil companies got what they wanted: higher prices at the pump.

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And speaking of credit cards, it seems that in some parts of the country, gas stations no longer accept credit cards, or are offering substantial discounts for cash. Given that credit card companies take a 2-3% commission, that means as much as 14 cents a gallon is coming out of the bottom line of gas station operators. Is this a trend in your area? Use the comments section below to add your comments.      

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bobbabiasz   |2008-07-15 08:53:27 Comments : My comment talks about the perception that some people think that all foreign cars get better mileage and that they have better quality. Sure you can cherry pick a car or two that might get a mile or two better, but the fact is that GM has a long list of vehicles that exceed most peoples requirements for fuel economy, safety and styling. Unless those who have blinders on and continue to buy foreign cars without truly knowing that the car they just bought was no better and possibly worse than many cars of the U.S. manufacturers, we will not have an American car company left. And if that might happen, the blame for another blow to our necessary manufacturing base is squarely on those people who proudly drag their foreign products into their driveway not thinking that they are singlehandedly sinking the boat and ruining the American economy. Their homework consists of one magazine that truly slants to the imports and probably a few online reports. People in the know (test engineers, etc) who study these things with an open eye know that domestic cars trump many foreign cars today. So why do these people continue to buy foreign cars? Ego? This probably has alot to do with it. Shame? Possibly, because five years ago, they swore to their friend that they would never buy another U.S. car. Lack of understanding? Oh yes. I will assume they do their sellective homework just enough to give them the necessary reason to explain to their spouce why they simply MUST have only that car. Typically its all line of crap. We have all used it. As long as you get what you want. If people continue down this path, gone will be the thousands of blue color workers who buy houses and get groceries and have their computers fixed etc. And please don't whine about the autoworker should have had more education or that they were paid too much. By the way, an average auto worker makes about $50,000 per year. I can speak as an ex-hourly employee at an assembly plant. You don't want the job for $50,000 per year but many take it and are proud of it. In closing it is clear that buying a foreign car is in essence becoming a traitor. You decision is based on selfishness and lack of consideration for what is important for America. This world is bigger than one person. You owe it to your family to drive a safe and fuel efficient vehicle. GM has a car for everyone that will meet or exceed your needs. There is simply no rational reason to look elsewhere. Now go put the flag upon the porch, grab a bucket of water and go wash that shiny new Malibu. It will make you and the rest of us proud to see another American. Or you might want to give your Honda a wash in the Sea of Japan. In summary, this is a big purchase. But you need to make this purchase with the understanding that it affects many people outside your household. If you don't care about the strength of our country, then keep buying foreign crap. But run the model. See what the future will bring. It is easy, just read the papers and see the devistation the auto industry is going through. And it is not just them, it is their tier 1 and 2 suppliers, and truckers, trains, small diners near the plants. And the list goes on and on. Yes, there are several foreign companies building cars in the U.S. Yes, they are providing some jobs, but the statitics show lower pay scale and less security AND all profits go back to the motherland. What part of that don't you get? Wake up America. Joe Babiasz Reply | Quote 2   1

Real   |2009-07-01 13:32:48 What a nut job. We should stop buying things made in china, heck we should stop traveling to other countries- thats only give the other countries money. We should all live in our little box, drive american cars and wave US flags. If all we bought was american made, then what is the point of competition, GM doesnt have to make good cars to stay in business, just make it profitable for GM and screw the consumer, because we have a monopoly. Reply | Quote 1   3

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