Jeff Woelker : Chicago SEO, SEM, and Online Marketing Consultant

So I’ve been seeing these Chrysler ads lately touting 30 mpg as “great fuel economy”.

Does this strike anyone else as ridiculous? I know this guy thinks so. I mean, this is the 21st century. According to this source:

After 1920, mpg seems to have stayed in the range of 13-15 mpg until federally-mandated fuel economy standards were enacted in the 1970’s. As a result, fuel-efficiency increased from 13 mpg to 21 mpg over the next 25 years (after 1970).

For me as a scientist, futurist, and technologist, I find this fact offensive. In almost 90 years we have moved from 13 mpg to 30 mpg? That screams of laziness, complacency, and lack of American ingenuity. The Prius is getting 60 miles per gallon in the city and 51 on the highway, which is still pretty impressive, but where’s the real vision? Why not 100 mpg? 200 mpg? 500 mpg?

The next focus after getting the fuel economy to admirable standards would be to make it economical for the average person to be able to afford them. That really will be who wins in the US auto market. Or you can just go car free. Thoughts?

Update: This got dugg. BOY HOWDY!

ZAP World announced yesterday that as part of their worldwide rally in Las Vegas, they approached Dominoes to deliver pizzas using their Xebra electric car. I think this is a great marketing idea as well as getting to point of electric vehicles. Since most people drive about 40 miles a day to and from work, this is mode of transit (assuming bike or public transit is not an option) is perfect. Just get to work, plug it in, and you’re all set for the day.

Here are a few more links to some other related reason why electric vehicles or using alternate means of transportation is both good for the environment and good for your wallet:

• True cost of driving
• City Decongestion
• Biking and the environment
• Gas Price Calculator
• SmartUsa Touring the US
• SmartCar
• Amount of Gas Saved by Taking Public Transportation

Image copyright Zap Electric

And if you’re looking for fantastic Chicago pizza, order from Vince’s Pizzeria on Devon!

Ok, so maybe that’s a bad comparison, as SUV’s will soon go the way of the dinosaur once gas hits $4 per gallon and small cars are going to be around for a good long while. At least until cars themselves are banned outright for inner city travel.

But all the kids on the internets are talking about these new “small” (small you say?) cars. I’m referring to my old standby and future car, the Smart car, as well as Chevy’s tiny concepts the Beat, Groove, and Trax (see video with excellent music below).

As more car companies realize, “Why doesn’t anyone buy our cars that get 5 miles to the gallon anymore?”, small cars will be the way to go, especially for inner city living and travel. Easier to park, better gas mileage, and exactly functional to what someone needs in a large metropolitan area. Seriously, you need a Suburban to drive from your house to the pizza place around the corner? Take a walk or ride a bike, fata$$! [end rant]

So anyway, what’s keeping you from making the switch from a road boat to a city coupe?