Great News

[wraithfodder]

Turned on the news and it looks like the Hummer, that gawdawful multi-ton vanity vehicle, will probably go extinct. Yes, I despise the vehicles. I've been tailgated by them, tanks driven by yuppie housewives yakking on cellphones.  Of course, the sad thing is that because General Motors couldn't see the writing on the wall, and far too many people wanted this kind of crap, they're now going to lay off lord knows how many people. But we really  need to get Hummers, and other big SUVs, off the road. The vast majority have one office worker driving them. Waste of gas, destroys the roads, and I've seen what happens when a Hummer or big SUV hits another car. Not a pretty sight. ...

Comments

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

Hummers are possibly the most ridiculous things I've ever seen.

I was amazed by the size of some of the cars in the US. Here most people go for small cars, because we travel pretty big distances, and it's cheaper... unless you live in the bush and need something bigger to move stuff around.

[dejla.livejournal.com]

Well, yes, that's true. But isn't that what Land Rovers are for?

I live in NYC and I drive--but I came from the Midwest originally, and public transport doesn't exist in many places in the Midwest. But I drive a Toyota Corolla because I need a trunk, and I want a car I can park. When I go shopping for the house, I drive probably 40 or 50 miles round trip and I frequently fill the trunk and the back seat, but I don't go on a major shop that often, so the Corolla works for me.

I can't see much use for the Mini Cooper, but I need leg room. Something bigger? If I could afford it, I still wouldn't need it. And I don't care whether what I drive--or wear--is fashionable.

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

Mini Coopers are actually a lot bigger than they look. VW Golfs are, too. I was amazed by the VWs.. they use them as cabs (or they did) in Paris.

I have a Mazda Astina. That's big enough for me.

Big cars in the city (and I'm talking 4wds, hummers) are ridiculous, and are just a status symbol.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Mini coopers still look puny on our roads due to the mass of SUVs speeding around. And yup, big cars in the city are nothing more than a status symbol. Hell, they advertise them as such on the tv ads. However, Toyota just sold its millionth Prius. GM should have taken note, but obviously didn't...

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

People over here are now starting to buy Vespas and other scooters, because A. they cost next to nothing to run in petrol, and B. you can park them anywhere you want without paying. Parking in this city is outrageously expensive.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I'd love to live in an area where I could drive a Vespa to work. Unfortunately, the roads can't accommodate them (you'd be flattened) and aren't allowed on the highways...

[alyssa22.livejournal.com]

A lot of people ride them here, mostly city office workers and uni students, because they're cheaper.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Agreed.

[telesilla.livejournal.com]

Can't happen soon enough.

[reedfem.livejournal.com]

And good luck trying to park near one.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Ack, they'll swing their door open and demolish my car!

[vecturist.livejournal.com]

Now if Cadillac will quit making the Escalade and Ford gets rid of the Excursion and Expedition, that'd be great (I tryy not snicker when I have to fill up near one). I do feel sorry for the people who will be losing their jobs, but it's GM and Ford management's fault - they wanted the profits from SUVs and didn't invest in making small cars.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's sad that people are losing their jobs, but the idiots who wanted the large gas-guzzlers will keep them until they can't afford them, so GM, etc. just wanted to keep making enormous profits, without thinking too far in the future. This happened back in the 70s. History repeats itself. Smaller cars all around on the road would be a lot better, especially considering that China and India are gearing up with cars as well. There isn't going to be enough gas/oil to go around one day.

[ladyniko.livejournal.com]

Definitely the Big 3's management is to blame for their current situation....

A while back I read how Ford was shutting down the Taurus line (years after they all but abandoned it) because sales were down. The Taurus was a good sedan and why did they shut it down - because they were too busy pushing the SUVs & trucks.

More and more studies done show just how unsafe the SUVs really are when it comes to collision safety and steering. They are top heavy and have a greater likelihood of rolling over in an accident. They have very poor safety ratings for side and rear collisions. (And, most collisions are rear and/or side!) One study even tested the handling of a minivan vs. an SUV on an obstacle course & said that the minivan handling was much better, since it had been designed from the ground up for safety & as the grocery getter vs. the SUV which was just a luxury body on top of a truck frame. The SUV's handling was much worse and not as responsive as the minivan.

The funny thing is - Ford insiders have even admitted that the Lincoln Navigator is the same thing as the Ford Expedition and the only difference is the stereo, the dash board and the front grill. But, the price difference is closer to $10k or more!

There was an article in the STL Post today that went on to talk about how the Asian cars sold more in the last month than the big 3 have - i.e. the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Carolla, Camry & Prius. Why? Because they get better gas mileage and aren't priced ridiculously high, unlike the American cars.... :-p

I find it very humorous now that my parents are both driving Toyotas - my father whom I thought would never give up a Cadillac. What I tried almost 10 years ago to tell them, they finally came to realize in the past year now. *laugh*

[luveskane.livejournal.com]

Thank god for small miracles!!!!! I hate those things with a passion!!!!
I can't even count the times I have been cut off, nearly ran off the road on a turn, or tailgated by some moron behind the wheel of one of those things!!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I was tailgated once by a Hummer. Suddenly, the sun vanished, as it blocked the sun! Idiot was tailing so close I just sped up and went off a side road to get rid of him (or her)

[luveskane.livejournal.com]

Those are the moments where I always think to myself " hmmm now would be a great time to slam on my breaks"
luckily I come to my senses and realize my stupid vehicle is made mostly out of plastic and it probably wouldn't be pretty for me in the end LOL..

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know the feeling...

[dejla.livejournal.com]

I think Hummers have their place--I can see the police or the fire department in some areas needing something like that.

But it's like assault weapons. Civilians, especially in urban areas, don't need them.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

They should only be allowed for police/fire/rescue. No businesman or housewife should have one.

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

No more hummers? Yay! I've never had the displeasure of meeting them on the road, I just think they're the ugliest, dumbest vehicles. More a ridiculous novelty item than anything else.

And there is this prevalent attitude of "the bigger the car you have, the more you 'think' you own the road." I can always predict who's going to ride my bumper by the size and/or "shininess" of the car.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

We can only hope! They're nothing more than a vanity vehicle for people showing off conspicuous consumption, or, as some theorize, a way to compensate for an inadequacy in other, er, departments ;) Oh yes, the bigger or more expensive the car (Audis & BMWs are very guilty of this behavior) the more they shoot red lights, stop signs, speed, etc.

[nakedwesley.livejournal.com]

Ever see a canary yellow one? Talk about ugly! I get tired of driving behind those monsters too. Can't see what's going on on the road in front of you. It can't happen too soon.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, I call the yellow ones 'yuppie schoolbuses,' as yes, parents will drive their yuppie larvae ;) to school in 'em.

[d_odyssey.livejournal.com]

There is a reason for SUV's - like 3 kids playing hockey. Not everyone needs one, same as full size pick up trucks, but for those who do, they are very useful. 5-6 passengers, 3 hockey bags, sticks and luggage for tournaments do not fit in any car or minivan. The car is used for work and local commutes, but the Yukon allows everyone in one vehicle for trips and events.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Yes, but what did people do before SUVs? Station wagons! SUVs were designed originally for people who did work that required hauling heavy items around (not people commuting to desk jobs). The Suburban was made for carrying coffins (interesting fact). Fact is that 90% of the people behind the wheel of an SUV could eaisly use a car.

[d_odyssey.livejournal.com]

"Fact is that 90% of the people behind the wheel of an SUV could easily use a car."

No arguments there - same goes for pick up trucks. I think the top selling vehicle for the last 10 years or so has been the Ford F150 and I bet the vast majority of purchasers don't actually need a truck. I remember my aunt and uncle (6 kids) had a station wagon - that thing was huge, too. Now the automakers are compromising with the crossover vehicles, hybrid of the SUV and station wagon. Definitely more stylish than the old wagons. It always seems to take a crisis to move in a new direction. The SUVs and trucks were huge money makers for the automakers. Cars, not so much.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, the automakers seem to lack hindsight, forgetting the 70s and smaller cars. Most people around here (yuppies) drive high-end expensive SUVs or audis or BMWs (with equally as bad gas mileage). WAit till gas hits $5/gal. It's coming. Already seen $4.43 a gal and it's not even July 4th...

[d_odyssey.livejournal.com]

Yes, unfortunately, the Big 3 are shortsighted and never seem to learn or anticipate changing economic conditions until it is too late and a lot of people suffer for it. As you pointed out, some of the cars are just as bad, ie Chrysler 300. Those things are tanks and eat gas. One of my coworkers got rid of hers as soon as the lease was up. Plus it was terrible in the snow. And I shudder at even the thought of $5/gal gas.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Well, we'll all be just driving back and forth to work, with side trips to groceries and doctors, and that'll be it at the rate prices are soaring...

[flingslass.livejournal.com]

We call them Toorak tractors. Not needed for the city. And I hate the ones who have a bullbar! What, that pesky pedestrian is going to damage the front of your car! And yes, the yuppies are the worst. I'm looking at a Holden Barina (Beep, beep) or a Hyundai Getz when I get my licence. And my Mum live 2 hours away but a little car like that will handle the distance fine.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Why would you need a bullbar in the city?? Aieeee

[flingslass.livejournal.com]

I am yet to figure that out! Maybe they need it for the Kangaroos that hop down the main street of Melbourne. (That would be Bourke Street) or the feral cyclists (although I can understand that :()

[pisces227.livejournal.com]

This news makes me very happy. I see no need for Hummers. I am very happy with my Corolla.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

It'll probably years before they're off the road as some people, sigh, love them. Gotta check the news this morning to see what's happening with all this.