Replies to post #41375 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[upc]

I hope it wasn't the "Prius", which, it turns out, doesn't get nearly the mileage the EPA reports, as the EPA mileage is, get this, computed based on an old *emissions* model instead of actually measuring how much gas is used! Still, probably better mileage than most cars.

http://www.idealog.us/2004/05/why_your_toyota.html

upc

[wmbz]

I expect that to happen. As consumers retire their existing Gas guzzlers, their next purchase will be a more oil-frugal one. Unfortunately, automakers currently subsidize SUVS by giving huge rebates on them. So even if driving an SUV for 3-5 years costs an extra $3K over a 40mpg car, the automaker gives you $10K upfront to buy the SUV so the consumer will buy that.

C

[bobs10]

Yes, that will undoubtedly be a consequence; there will be a lot of others consequences including the way we live.

If you go to Europe, where oil is a lot more expensive, you will find cities surrounded by agriculture belts. This means that agriculture is nearer its' markets. The cities are, for the most part; small with most everything needed close at hand. The public transportation is much better with the cities connected by high-speed rail. The need for an auto is much less pressing than here.

This is the direction I expect the U.S. to move towards. Of course it won't happen overnight but in the end, if we don't find a cheap energy source, economics will rule.

Personally, I think the cheap energy solution is there, it's just going to take a major effort on our part to find it. Not having funding is likely to put off the effort until we're in the usual 3rd and long position. This in turn will probably lead to a lot of rather nasty and unexpected consequences not currently fully appreciated by the U.S. population.