Reply #43: Vehicles in the US are HUGE compared to Europe's

[lebkuchen]

The giant 4 X 4s, SUVs and so forth..., there is really no comparison. Europeans don't drive this:



I haven't seen one Smart Car or Mini Cooper, cars which are not unusual in western Europe.

Unfortunately, VW (Audi), Mercedes and BMW also have their SUV models, but they aren't as big as their cousins here in the US--yet.

The standard of living, the cradle to grave social system, and the higher savings rate allows Europeans to buy gas guzzlers (though typically using the cheaper diesel fuel) despite higher fuel costs. I had thought that perhaps those in the US driving the guzzlers could afford their car/costs as well, but from remarks made here, US consumers appear to be financially strapped.

Maybe they figure, if Arnie can own 8 hummers, they are entitled to one. Also, a hummer allows the owner to play army without having to deploy.