>When they bring in the successful overseas cars that >get >40mpg, some will sell well here, especially those with 4 and 5-star >EuroNCAP crash test ratings [Aygo, Fiat 500]. Anyone for a Ford Ka? Fiat >500? Ford Fiesta? Toyota Aygo [Peugeot 107, Citroen C1]? Ligier Nova? GM >Chevy Matiz?
I'm hoping the rumors the Fiat 500 will make it over here are true. I drove one earlier this summer - someone managed to get one across the pond and toured it around the US. >I have my doubts about pure electric cars. Batteries aren't ready. But cars like the Tesla Roadster look so cool though. :-) >As for self-driving cars, they're only as good as the people who program >and use them. Computers did a terrible job of improving vehicle energy >efficiency, so I don't expect computers to do a good job of something so >complicated as driving. There's a sensible solution: public >transportation, heavy rail like the DC Metro rail system. I couldn't agree more. When I've visited the DC area, it's amazing at how you can get practically anywhere at almost any time. Unfortunately, once you get outside the beltway (and I realize, all the action happens inside the beltway), mass transit is "mass" only when referring to the size/weight of the buses and "light-rail" cars and not the number of people actually using it. >Just don't >hire contract temps who text while driving. Oh, right, those trains are >automated. Otherwise we'll wait for energy efficient cars with >'avoidance' technology, There's already "avoidance" technology. Ever hear of the horn? :-) Larry ************************************************************************* ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *************************************************************************
