"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
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"Bert Robbins" wrote in message
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"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
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"Bert Robbins" wrote in message
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"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
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"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
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On Sat, 25 Mar 2006 15:11:10 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:


Ford's development of a hybrid SUV is an attempt to control behavior?
Please
explain this conclusion. They'll still be selling the "regular" kind,
for
people who actually need a truck-style power train, but sales of
those will
be reduced to levels they were at 30 years ago, when they were mostly
purchased by people who needed the 4WD and the gear ratio.

Don't get mired in that paragraph. Explain your conclusion.

I was reading in the Times this morning about hybrids and the really
curious part is that they aren't that much more "efficient" than a
regular car - maybe a mpg or two at most.

Emissions are about the same.

So far....but they will address the need. It's obvious that they see
it, or they wouldn't be spending money trying to build something
better. It has to be obvious to anyone but a total idiot that the vast
majority of SUVs are NOT being purchased by people who tow things or
clamber over bolders and drive through streams for fun. Luggage space
and driving in snow are two reasons which hold no water, so we can
safely eliminate those.

Some of us don't fit into regular cars. My legs and torso are long most
of tyical sedans I can't fit into. Therefore, I buy vehicles where I
can comfortably sit in the drivers seat and operate the vehicle without
contorting my body.

I'm not talking about changes to the size of the driver's seat, or the
SUV in general. According to an interview with a Ford representative on
the radio news a month ago, neither are they. Their goal is to maintain
some of what they know to be the main selling points for many buyers:
Size.

What they ARE trying to do is two things: Build a hybrid SUV (what's
under the hood, in other words), and make major changes to the drive
train. Besides aerodynamics, those are obviously the two major
detractors from better gas mileage. The majority of non-sports-oriented
buyers have no need for 4WD or towing capability.

You keep making judgments about the appropriateness of vehicles for
people, why? Last time I checked I had the freedom to purchase any
vehicle I want. If I want a big gas sucking pig of a vehicle what
business is it of yours? It is my money?

You keep responding this way. Why? Nobody except you has suggested that
when Ford produces a leaner SUV, you will be unable to buy the original
variety. If you disagree, please provide quotes or other evidence of where
I've said this. I suspect you have problems when I say most people don't
need the truck capabilities, but in fact, it is true.

This country is not based upon needs, it is based upon wants and desires.