The auto biz isn't that much different than anything else. One network comes out with a new idea like reality TV and before you know it you've got reality TV for a zillion hours a week. Same with cars - a new idea every once in a while with lots of copying in-between.

It seems to almost be a law of physics that car models get longer, wider, heavier - goes right along with the fact that people are getting bigger and especially in the US fatter. My 4Runner isn't big - its fine for me, but I can certainly see why the all-American fatman would feel cramped and want something bigger.

It will be interesting to see what the cost of gas does. I predict the cost is going to stay up. Who in their right mind would invest in new facilites to make more gas if you can just raise the price on what you produce now and make more money?

Apparently hybrids are selling like hotcakes, but people are still buying the big vehicles too. A few bucks more a year isn't much to people paying $50k for a vehicle. Of course, if you can't afford the gas for the car you have or a fuel-efficient car, you've got real problems.