I don't think that's "on the clearance table." VW sells a decent number of those.
That said, the diesels certainly don't get the attention of the gasoline-hybrids.
Edmunds.com is doing a long-term test of a Toyota Prius. The bottom line: they hate it. It is underpowered, and the steering is awful. They get a little above 40 mpg, which is just about the same as the Jetta TDI, which is a lot more fun to drive.
Diesels got a bad reputation in this country, thanks to GM. But, time and technology has moved on, and the time has come to grant some tax and regulatory breaks to allow these engines to become more prevalent, as they offer greater efficiency and fuel flexibility.
I don't think that's "on the clearance table." VW sells a decent number of those.At nearly $2k under the sticker price? For an economy car?
During the "real", gas-line-type fuel shortages of 1974 and 1979, VW Rabbit diesels sold for the sticker price.... that is, if you were lucky enough to be able to find one.
Carsdirect also quotes $102,120 (sticker price) for the gas-guzzling (EPA 12 MPG (city), 14 MPG (highway) 13 MPG (combined) 469 HP Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG SUV. (Governator Aahrnold drives one!)
Fuel prices are high enough to make people complain, but not high enough for them to change their purchasing or consumption patterns.
Gas is still cheaper than that imported French gassy water!
