I Vant To Pump You Up

[gas, cars]

Seems automakers are slowly getting the idea that maybe the price of gas is keeping Americans out of buying large cars and trucks.

Honda's solution: Smaller cars (the new Fit) and hybrid, diesel, alternative fueled Civics.

GM's solution? Lower the price of gas!

"DETROIT - Aiming to capitalize on consumer angst about the high cost of gasoline, General Motors said Tuesday that it would cap pump prices at $1.99 a gallon for customers in California and Florida who buy certain vehicles by July 5.

Customers must also agree to enroll in the OnStar vehicle diagnostic service, which is free for the first year but $16.95 a month after that. Furthermore, many of the eligible vehicles are serious gas- guzzlers.

The offer is good for 2006 and 2007 model-year vehicles. In California, eligible vehicles are the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban sport-utility vehicles and Impala and Monte Carlo sedans; the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SUVs; the Hummer H2 and H3 SUVs; the Cadillac SRX SUV; and the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick LaCrosse sedans."

[SJ Mercury]

Good thing GM doesn't have their own troops, lest they be the next promotion be "Help Invade Venezuela and Get a Free SUV and Gas For a Year!"