Doubling Our Collective Fuel Mileage Could Help Drive Oil Prices Down
Our country has been enduring high oil prices for the last few years – but that transfer of funds out of the country has had a detrimental effect on the economy. And any bad effect on the economy will be felt in the housing sector.
One of the problems is that Americans like their big cars. Less than 10% of our gasoline is consumed by vehicles that get more than 30 miles per gallon. We just don’t find smaller, more efficient cars all that exciting.
Well in another year or so, we’ll witness a new breed of car on the road
And that car will be the Carver… the Cornering Genius.
I haven’t looked forward to the introduction of a vehicle with this much pregnant anticipation in years. A cool vehicle like this could save an enormous amount of our precious fossil fuels – while reducing emissions. And since 90% of all commuters drive to work – alone – a vehicle like this makes good sense.
Now if we could just get General Motors to build one…
John Kalinowski says:
Very cool, except for the obvious safety considerations. It doesn’t give much more protection than a motorcycle, and one collision with a full-size car or SUV and you’re history! I also don’t think the majority of our overweight population could fit inside!
January 25, 2008 — 9:06 am
David says:
I agree w/ you 100%. I’d be the first one in line! That thing looks fun!
January 25, 2008 — 9:42 am
Doug Quance says:
>John: Note taken. However, it IS more safe than a motorcycle from a stability point of view… and smaller vehicles are always at a disadvantage to larger ones.
Some of the other videos show its agility, as well.
January 25, 2008 — 9:47 am
John Kalinowski says:
Doug- Don’t get me wrong. I liked your post, and I think it’s great to see creative new ideas in the auto world. Like you said, if we could only get the US car companies to be this creative and aggressive in their designs.
January 25, 2008 — 9:53 am
Lane Bailey says:
Don’t hold your breath. The idea has been around a while, but has never picked up any traction (pardon the pun). Not that the idea isn’t good, but not only do Americans seem to like cars that seat people side by side, but even the Europeans seem to prefer that.
There are some other options that would blow the lid off of oil savings…
January 25, 2008 — 7:51 pm
Late Night Austin Real Estate Blog says:
I like the gas savings for all the reasons mentioned. But down here in Texas most wrecks are going to be with a SUV or a truck and I dont know how well I would hold up post wreck. I wish someone built a car with good gas mileage that was super safe.
January 26, 2008 — 5:59 am
Doug Quance says:
>John: I agree.
>Lane: I didn’t know the idea is so old. The guys who are working on this said that they’ve been at it for six years. Not bad for bringing a transportation concept to market, since these are now being sold in places like New Zealand.
>Late Night: You’ll be better off in one of these than you would a motorcycle… and it seems to be more agile than one, too.
Maybe it could use an ejection seat… yeah, that’s the ticket!
January 26, 2008 — 6:08 am
Scoot says:
Very cool, except for the safety issue. Until there is no need for vehicles with seating for 6 or more, I believe safety will continue to override savings. The other thing I see, is that if it didn’t cost so much for taxes & insurance & tags, on an extra vehicle, I’d be interested, but as things stand I need a vehicle that will do most things, like haul wood, family, clients,… not necessarily in that order. 😀 But in one package. Otherwise, I’ve run the numbers, and the savings in fuel don’t save me anything after all the other costs – on a yearly basis.
January 26, 2008 — 11:32 am
Doug Quance says:
>Scoot: Fair enough. But keep in mind that the purpose of the vehicle is to provide enormous FUN to those who drive it… and to maybe do something more environmentally friendly than driving a gas guzzler around.
There are many people driving around hybrids that don’t make any economic sense…
January 26, 2008 — 9:28 pm