BedZ
05/04/2005, 13h33
Article plutôt long mais très intéressant!
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/article_1263.shtml
Extrait:
The news report went on to imply that such high gas prices would send our economy into turmoil. But oddly, despite the fact that they already pay more than twice what we do for gas, European society remains a mobile one. The French, Germans, Italians, Austrians, the Swiss (especially the Swiss), they all love their cars. Oh yeah, and not only do they pay more dearly for fuel, they also pay a lot more for their cars (tax alone can be in the 17% range). Still, everywhere we went, the roads were littered with brand new Benzes, Bimmers, Audis, Citroens, and the like.
So how do they do it? How do the Europeans manage to afford to buy nice new cars and keep them fueled in the midst of such outrageous gas prices? Since gas prices here are unlikely to go down any time soon, perhaps it’s worth a look at their survival methods. Without sounding like an anti-American elitist, I’ll simply state that I believe the Europeans take a significantly more responsible approach to using their cars. Maybe we can learn a little something from our continental cousins.
It starts with their choice of cars, which tend to be no bigger than necessary for daily life, and as a result are more fuel-efficient. Where the most common family vehicle in the States is typically a Ford Explorer, the most common car in Europe is the VW Golf. We can attempt to justify our preference for large vehicles (safer, more versatile, etc.) but in reality, most of us could get by with far less car than what we buy.
Beyond choosing more efficient vehicles, Europeans tend to be more prudent in their use as well. How often have you seen someone leave the grocery store, get in their car and drive 500 feet to the video store at the other end of the shopping center? It happens all the time here. How about that person who circles the lot for ten minutes in search of the most ideal space? You know who you are. Honestly, when was the last time you walked or rode your bike to the corner convenience store? Simply put, Europeans aren’t afraid to use their legs a little to get around. (Coincidentally, have you heard all news stories about America’s obesity problem? Hmmmm, I wonder why?)
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/article_1263.shtml
Extrait:
The news report went on to imply that such high gas prices would send our economy into turmoil. But oddly, despite the fact that they already pay more than twice what we do for gas, European society remains a mobile one. The French, Germans, Italians, Austrians, the Swiss (especially the Swiss), they all love their cars. Oh yeah, and not only do they pay more dearly for fuel, they also pay a lot more for their cars (tax alone can be in the 17% range). Still, everywhere we went, the roads were littered with brand new Benzes, Bimmers, Audis, Citroens, and the like.
So how do they do it? How do the Europeans manage to afford to buy nice new cars and keep them fueled in the midst of such outrageous gas prices? Since gas prices here are unlikely to go down any time soon, perhaps it’s worth a look at their survival methods. Without sounding like an anti-American elitist, I’ll simply state that I believe the Europeans take a significantly more responsible approach to using their cars. Maybe we can learn a little something from our continental cousins.
It starts with their choice of cars, which tend to be no bigger than necessary for daily life, and as a result are more fuel-efficient. Where the most common family vehicle in the States is typically a Ford Explorer, the most common car in Europe is the VW Golf. We can attempt to justify our preference for large vehicles (safer, more versatile, etc.) but in reality, most of us could get by with far less car than what we buy.
Beyond choosing more efficient vehicles, Europeans tend to be more prudent in their use as well. How often have you seen someone leave the grocery store, get in their car and drive 500 feet to the video store at the other end of the shopping center? It happens all the time here. How about that person who circles the lot for ten minutes in search of the most ideal space? You know who you are. Honestly, when was the last time you walked or rode your bike to the corner convenience store? Simply put, Europeans aren’t afraid to use their legs a little to get around. (Coincidentally, have you heard all news stories about America’s obesity problem? Hmmmm, I wonder why?)