It's kinda foggy and rainy here. So with that in mind, here's a few automotive-related items to occupy your time on just such days:
Canada Fines Company for Advocating Carpooling (here)
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Detroit Is Tanking, But Toyota's in Trouble, Too (here)
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Futuristic Green Transit: 10 Vehicles for 2010 (here)
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I'd hardly call Toyota's present state dire. Yes, their profits are down 73%, but the key word in that sentence is 'profit.' Even under extraordinary pressure and collapsed consumer confidence, Toyota can still make a buck. Detroit struggles to make a buck in very good years.
This is the problem with Detroit:
http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/11/chrysler-executives-could-receive-bonuses-report-says.html
That'll make it a lot harder for Detroit to receive federal funding.
The article about Canada banning carpooling is short of facts and I suspect far off the true story.
It says Canada in the title and refers to a provincial ruling and then never mentions the province.
I smell B.S.
Detroit's other problem is the labor union. Bottom line, too many people are getting paid too much to produce too little quality.
I notice #9 on the Green Transit shows the Air Car will be sold as the Tata Nano for $2500 in India. Like most most Eco publications they take random bits of unconnected information and stick them together.
The Nano is not an aircar or the car in the picture.
What I get from the carpooling story is that it's presented as a commercial service, without commercial regulation. It'll get worked out. I agree that the article is misleading.
I like the video of the Ecooter. Leave that thing parked there. The truck in front of it wouldn't see it and crush the hell out of it. Plus that thing makes the Smart look safe.
Also agree about Toyota. GM and Ford would love to be in their spot right now.