Gas Guzzlers

The price of gas has risen in these uncertain times in the Middle East, and holds the potential to rise even more if there is significant disruption in production -- especially in Saudi Arabia. The automakers are feeling it too, even though they're not inclined to admit it. Sales of SUVs and other gas guzzling monstrosities are stagnant, if not falling. But this latest crisis is far from the one experienced in the 70s -- prices haven't hit those levels (yet), even though consumers expect today's high prices to remain for the foreseeable future. Which may not be a bad thing -- it may actually spur the automakers and government to speed the delivery of hybrid or hydrogen fuel cars and the necessary infrastructure.