[1080eyes]

What the hell is wrong with GM's CEO Dan Akerson, he is asking that the goverment increase gas tax by $1. My only guess is that Obama has his hand up Akerson's a## and doing the charlie McCarthy thing.
I will never buy a GM product, and I will discurage any family members from buying.

[blue2fire]

He is a retard. Not everyone has enough money to "trade up" to one of their newer products.

[stickypaws]

Gotta sell those Volts.

[Grail05]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

Gotta sell those Volts.

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

Gotta sell those Volts.

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

Gotta sell those Volts.

[Inspired]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

Gotta sell those Volts.

The Volt is a huge fail. $40k+ Might be reasonable if gas was $8 per gallon but not at $4.

[Crimson92]

wtf.....bastard

[Impervious]

Good lord, are you kidding me?

[JoosyJoos]

I understand where he is coming from in terms of business perspective. He wants to shift it onto the consumers so they are forced with either updating there current vehicles and thus GM wouldn't have to pay the huge tax fines for exceeding CAFE standards etc.

Realistically it's not a bad idea but all of us Americans will throw a fit because we've historically had some of the lowest gas prices in the world --- unlike Europe who takes the hell out of gasoline/diesel to accomplish several of the same objectives.

[Freakazoid]

Originally Posted by JoosyJoos

Realistically it's not a bad idea but all of us Americans will throw a fit because we've historically had some of the lowest gas prices in the world --- unlike Europe who takes the hell out of gasoline/diesel to accomplish several of the same objectives.

Certainly wouldn't have to throw a fit because there aren't many/any alternatives to make these long travels and commutes right? British have one of the longest commutes in Europe, and their's is only 8.5 miles. The average American commute is 3x that. Then take into account the distance required to visit friends/family/etc etc and the lack of transportation alternatives to do this.

This whole we only throw a fit 'because we're used to it being cheap' is getting a bit old to me. There's many many many other things to take into account when you compare us to people in the other countries. Don't get me wrong, there's some truth to what you're saying. But the automatic retort has been driving me bonkers. If there was an immediate shift of the price of gas to being the same in the USA as it was in Europe. USA would slowly start to shutdown unless the government heavily subsidized some decent alternatives.

[MikeyV]

I don't see the problem, you don't pay enough for gas in the US at the moment, higher petrol taxes will lead to downsizing of cars and a better environment, what's the problem with that.

Another upside it might make more people walk, resulting in a healthier and slimmer population.

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by MikeyV

I don't see the problem, you don't pay enough for gas in the US at the moment, higher petrol taxes will lead to downsizing of cars and a better environment, what's the problem with that.

Another upside it might make more people walk, resulting in a healthier and slimmer population.

A lot of people in the US commute large distances to work. We don't live in a tiny country, where everyone can walk or ride their bikes to work.

I do agree though that people here need to start downsizing their cars. I already see it happening.

[UAxDEATH(NYC)]

US - always were a country for driving, not fucking riding a bikes. How u gonna do that for 150miles ?? I say we have to strike!!! Those people flying private jets, yachts and etc, and still wants more money from our pockets!!

[miiipilot]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

Gotta sell those Volts.

1. This

2. He wants to help Obama drive his Green Agenda. If gas hits $5 or $6/gal, people might get on board with Alt energy initiatives.

miiipilot

[ENINTY]

He's actually not wrong. The Federal gas tax does not keep up with inflation. It 18.5 cents per gallon, which came into effect in 1994 I think. The value of 18.5 cents now is not the same as it was in 1994. The reason the US highway system is falling apart is because there is not enough funds (generated by the gas tax) to pay for repairs and new roads.

[Tortfeasor 335xi]

Essentially he is arguing that instead of cafe standards and other bandaid laws that don't actually accomplish anything other than making the cars we buy more expensive, to raise the gas tax instead. That would lower the cost of new cars and raise the cost of driving them. So it would help car sales of small fuel efficient cars. Only problem is that the best fuel efficient cars aren't made by GM, so it might not help THEM out.

Personally I am against it. I would rather the money come from cutting the budget in other places and simplifying the tax code. Though I am all for eliminating cafe.

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

A lot of people in the US commute large distances to work. We don't live in a tiny country, where everyone can walk or ride their bikes to work.

I do agree though that people here need to start downsizing their cars. I already see it happening.

I don't live in a tiny country either, but a city is a city, mot Americans live in cities, effective public transport and smaller cars are what's needed, if you live in the country ok get a bigger car but you should still have to pay for it.

[flyinb501]

Originally Posted by MikeyV

I don't see the problem, you don't pay enough for gas in the US at the moment, higher petrol taxes will lead to downsizing of cars and a better environment, what's the problem with that.

Another upside it might make more people walk, resulting in a healthier and slimmer population.

Wow... This mentality blows my mind. I feel very fortunate to live in the USA. Hopefully we can stay true to our "Land of the Free" roots and not turn into socialist Europe.

[flyinb501]

Originally Posted by MikeyV

I don't live in a tiny country either, but a city is a city, mot Americans live in cities, effective public transport and smaller cars are what's needed, if you live in the country ok get a bigger car but you should still have to pay for it.

What do you mean "you should still have to pay for it"? People with bigger cars aren't paying for them? They're not paying gas tax? Hmmm I think the people with electric cars (Chevy Volt) are the ones not paying any gas taxes, and are even getting subsidies from the gov't. Why? Because no one would buy one of these pieces of sh!t for $40k if they weren't. Hence the reason GM wants higher gas prices.

[NewYearsBoy]

Ha.. This is all crazy. There is no reason why we should be paying 5 or 6 dollars a gallon. I like driving fun cars and its BS to punish me for it. This is not Europe or any other country that I can walk 10 min to get a bottle of milk. In FLORIDA I have to drive 10 to 15 minutes on a 60 mph road to get milk. (That includes getting out of the long ass gated community that they just lowered to 25 MPH) I live in a populated area and not in the middle of know where.

Shit to get to school it takes me 30 minutes. I love my car and the MPG for the power Im getting but gas is nuts.

I really like everything about Dubai and I have seen a lot. But Im not sure if others have seen the parking garages all of these oil sheiks have to put there 10 ta 30/40 cars in. Im not knocking them, Im just saying would you like to give up your passion to funds others hobbies.

[MisterSkiMask]

execution