Ford, GM, and Chrysler have been caught off guard and need to make products that consumers want.
"Consumers have voted with their wallets: Hybrids are here to stay. In part, it's because most hybrid buyers want to keep a little more money in those wallets rather than spend it on gasoline...the sudden rise of gasoline prices after the invasion of Iraq in 2004 and the uncertain direction of future fuel prices dramatically changed buying patterns, catching off-guard the Big Three - Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler AG...Japanese automakers are pushing cheaper, smaller passenger cars...Most Americans see hybrids as environmentally friendly and the best way to boost mileage."
"Consumers have voted with their wallets: Hybrids are here to stay. In part, it's because most hybrid buyers want to keep a little more money in those wallets rather than spend it on gasoline."
"American manufacturers have been late to the hybrid market as consumers have snapped up the more fuel and environmentally friendly gas/electric models made by Asian manufacturers."
FULL STORY: What will drive automakers' future?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl
The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.
Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy
A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.
Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing
The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.
Nashville Doesn’t Renew Bike Share Contract, Citing Lost Federal Funding
The city’s bike share system, operated by BCycle, could stop operating if the city doesn’t find a new source of funding.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions