[Vwdiesel] Those anti-SUV ads

[Harmon Seaver]

On Sun, Jan 12, 2003 at 03:05:39PM -0500, Andrew Miller wrote:

(snip)

> Totally agree...however,  SUVs are not a good solution in my mind.  The
> US consumer has a big misconception that an SUV is safer for all
> because it is bigger and stronger.  Poor emergency handling, high
> center of gravity, incompatibility with guard rails etc.... Because of

   I saw a big SUV flip right in front of me Winter before last. He was coming
the other way on a 4 lane, spun out on some ice, hit the guard rail between the
lanes and flipped right over it, did a complete roll right in my lane and spun
around. I just barely missed him, didn't even have time to really hit the
brakes. Pretty freaky. I always figured those guard rails would stop anything,
but he just went right over.

  (snip)

> Right!  It is silly.  I don't understand why these people are pushing
> hybrids.

   Maybe because they're a great solution? They need to be diesel, tho.

>  I feel the average US consumer will need 5-6 years before
> they will even consider a hybrid.  Especially in a larger
> car/van/truck.  Hybrids are also not condusive to all driving
> scenarios.  They are more effective for the short distance city driver
> than the commuter who does highway driving.

    ??? Why do you say that? With greatly increased range, they seem perfect for
long-distance cruising. Certainly the military agrees with that, look at their
new hybrid Hummvee. About double the range, much faster acceleration, top
end, etc.


--
Harmon Seaver
CyberShamanix
http://www.cybershamanix.com