Invisible Hand you make very valid and accurate points.

Isn't human nature funny? Some of us posters want American car companies to be more successful. Why - because a healthy economy is good for us? We are living in a world economy.
I suggest folks think more globally.

Isn't human nature funny? Some of us posters want reduced emmissions to reduce global warming. Hybrid, electric, and fuel efficient vehicles help, but the real global problem won't go away any time soon because of the vehicles we use. Sorry, this is reality.

Isn't human nature funny? Some of us posters (including me) want others to quit wasting fuel by buying big herking SUVs and trucks that they don't need. But this is a free country so folks can buy whatever they want. Once again the global economy is catching up with us. The people of India and China want what we have taken for granted and are willing to pay more for oil so the price goes up. Those who thought they could afford those big herking SUVs and trucks are now paying the price at the pump. It is unfortunate that those who really need the trucks for business have to pay more for fuel, but they will pass the cost of that fuel for their trucks onto their customers.
I'm glad that more of us are starting to realize how important it is to think of efficiency and economy when making vehicle purchasing decisions.

And I think the A-BAT looks kinda cool. From what I read it's kinda like a mini version of the Chevy Avalanche.
I think Toyota or Dodge would be successful making a hybrid Tacoma or Dakota