The Elephant In Chrysler's Living Room - E-F-F-I-C-I-E-N-C-Y - NPR

May 14, 2008 · German automaker Daimler announced that it was selling Chrysler, at a rock-bottom price, on the same day that retail gasoline prices hit a record high: $3.07, on average, according to the Automobile Association of America. The timing of these two events was coincidental, but it underscores the challenges facing Chrysler and other U.S. automakers: how to transition from the Age of the SUV to the Age of the Prius, the popular hybrid car made by Toyota.

Chrysler, even more than Ford and General Motors, built its reputation on big, burly vehicles: Dodge pick-up trucks, Jeeps and other gas guzzlers. In recent years, these kinds of vehicles have accounted for more than half of Chrysler's sales. But with gasoline prices at record highs, and Americans concerned about global warming and U.S. dependence on foreign oil, Detroit is trying to shift gears. Again.

Nearly 30 years ago, Congress stepped in to rescue Chrysler, which was on the verge of bankruptcy due to lackluster sales of its gas guzzlers. Chrysler finds itself in a similar situation today, but this time it is not likely to find much sympathy in Washington — or on the campaign trail. Many presidential candidates say Congress needs to press the automakers to manufacture more fuel-efficient vehicles.

"We're talking about saving the auto industry from itself," said Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) in an interview with the Associated Press. Dodd wants to double the average fuel economy from about 24 mpg today to 50 mph by 2017. Other candidates have made similar, though slightly less ambitious, proposals.

EDIT

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10181600

The Jeep Patriot gets 25 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy.

http://autos.yahoo.com/jeep_patriot_sport_4x4/

29 mpg highway isn't much comfort in a Post-Peak world.

And Nissan certainly was not a major producer of bloated automobiles.