I just read those links and that was fun. Lots of wild claims there. The MPG for the Hummer is understated at 8mpg and the Prius (from real world drivers I’ve spoken with) is over-stated at 45 mpg. Also they don’t touch on the fact that on top of the batteries the Prius also has an electric motor (as well as gas engine) that must be manufactured. Not giving an oppinion or putting much thought into the validity of that story here, though.
I thought this was an interesting statement:
Scott–
A Prius costs well over $30K to produce. Toyota sells them at a big loss, to build market share, establish their technology as the standard, and garner CAFE credits.
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Go up and read EconProf post and you will get a sense of how many Americans view American companies that get that kind of competitive aid.
Japanese automakers would never have gotten off the ground if not for the nearly complete prevention of foriegn choices to the Japanese people. In Fledgling automotive era Japan, tariffs on US cars were outragious. Japanese automakers are receiving Gov. bailouts today because of the depression. Japanese Gov. funds research and provides funds to make their manufacturers more competitive.
All this is OK to Americans. But give GM or any US company some help and its morally repulsive. Any Gov. bailout is immediate cause for death of a US company. Does that makes sense?
So the logic is…….When a foriegn Gov. gives susbsidies and bailouts and unfair trade advantages to its manufacturers then it’s no foul and A-Ok to support those foriegn manufacturers.
However….If GM needs/gets the same then they swear to never buy from them or support or say a truthful word about them, EVER!
