If gas prices continue to increase over the next few years, I guess most of us are going to have to get use to smaller cars once again. While many nations in Europe have driven and loved the small car for years, Americans have gone the complete opposite way. Americans love large cars and even larger SUV's and trucks. Unless Detroit can find a way for a large SUV to get 40 miles to the gallon of gas, more than likely their days are numbered.



I haven't ruled out American manufactures finding a way for large vehicles to get better mileage just yet because with their companies in shambles, now is the most likely time for them make a discovery which could change everything. They will also be less likely to be influenced by big oil companies who in the past have encourage the development of more "gas hog" cars and trucks. Eventually, someone will develop a vehicle which doesn't run on fossil fuels, but that day is still way off in the future.



I love SUV's and trucks just like most other Americans. In the US we use our vehicles for more than just a transportation source to work and play. Many Americans use their vehicle to haul stuff around our property or the get livestock to market. We also enjoy hooking up large RV's to them and taking long weekend vacations or trips around this large country. Small economy cars are not going to fit the bill for most Americans and the first person who can develop a large vehicle to get 50 MPG on the highway will make a bunch of money.



I believe this can be done because when I was young in the 1970's, manufacture said that it wasn't possible for most cars to get 20 MPG on the highway. Now most vehicles get greater mileage than this once thought impossible MPG. What has to happen is great stress must be placed on manufactures and the government must mandate standards that all companies must follow. When this is done, smart minds will work the problem to a solution and everyone will benefit.



Just like any other product in the US, the automobile industry must be given a set up mandates before they will act. The reason is simple, if all manufactures don't have to play by the same rules; many will not and go after the quick buck for their shareholders instead of long term security. If all automobiles, both foreign and domestic must live up to the same fuel standards, then the consumer will benefit because there will not be an advantage to those who will try and "shortcut" the system.



If manufactures can produce cars that get better gas mileage, then they can also produce trucks and SUV's to get better mileage as well. I hope the government continues to require them to meet tough standards because in the end this will not only help with fuel economy, but the environment, as well.