http://www.eastbayrealestate.com/real-estate/east-bay-real-estate-is-being-impacted-by-oil-prices/ Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:50:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 http://www.eastbayrealestate.com/real-estate/east-bay-real-estate-is-being-impacted-by-oil-prices/#comment-298 Jim Walberg Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:42:09 +0000 http://www.eastbayrealestate.com/?p=141#comment-298 Hey Wally, WOW! What great comments from the perspective of the automotive industry. I agree with you that I have seen the Hybrids going 80MPH on the freeway. It also put a smile on my face as to what they were thinking when they bought their car. Change is critical for the consumers and the car industries. I agree that the top Japanese companies are much better positioned than the BIG THREE U.S. automakers. This may be one of those historical moments where the U.S. economy is going to have a dramatic change in how we live out our daily lives. Europe has dealt with an even more expensive oil price than we are experiencing today. Now it is our turn to deal with reality. I look forward to any further comments you may have. Again, thanks for taking the time to check in. Hey Wally,
WOW! What great comments from the perspective of the automotive industry. I agree with you that I have seen the Hybrids going 80MPH on the freeway. It also put a smile on my face as to what they were thinking when they bought their car. Change is critical for the consumers and the car industries. I agree that the top Japanese companies are much better positioned than the BIG THREE U.S. automakers. This may be one of those historical moments where the U.S. economy is going to have a dramatic change in how we live out our daily lives. Europe has dealt with an even more expensive oil price than we are experiencing today. Now it is our turn to deal with reality. I look forward to any further comments you may have. Again, thanks for taking the time to check in.

]]> http://www.eastbayrealestate.com/real-estate/east-bay-real-estate-is-being-impacted-by-oil-prices/#comment-296 Wally Burchfield Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:41:04 +0000 http://www.eastbayrealestate.com/?p=141#comment-296 Jim, I truly appreciate the ongoing economic concern we see US markets today. From an automotive industry perspective, the fast rising fuel prices are driving almost a panic shift by consumers from traditional truck segments back into historical sedan segments. For manufacturers with strong sedan line ups that provide quality, value and excellent fuel economy, they will recieve the rewards of new customers. Unfortunately, many of the domestic manufacturers which are heavily dependent on large truck segments, they will be scrambling to shift production to accomodate this new consumer mindset. Just recently, General Motors Corporation announced the demise of 4 key truck plants in North America and are discussing what to do with the Hummer brand. At this same time, consumers really need to do their research on what product will best fit their need. While Hybrids are and can be hugely beneficial, the consumer must evaluate their use of the product, driving patterns, commute, etc.. to see if the incremental cost will pencil for them. In recent year, technology advancements in traditional combustion engines will meet most needs for functionality and fuel economy. As I travel around the SF Bay, I see many Hybrid drivers traveling at speeds that strip them of what they gain from their purchase decision. Bottom line is this shift in the economy with rising fuel prices, the continued concern over housing issues are making consumesr pause before they spend and when they do, they are selecting more fuel efficient products. I expect to see the big 3 import brands of Toyota, Honda and Nissan to do well. Jim, I truly appreciate the ongoing economic concern we see US markets today. From an automotive industry perspective, the fast rising fuel prices are driving almost a panic shift by consumers from traditional truck segments back into historical sedan segments. For manufacturers with strong sedan line ups that provide quality, value and excellent fuel economy, they will recieve the rewards of new customers. Unfortunately, many of the domestic manufacturers which are heavily dependent on large truck segments, they will be scrambling to shift production to accomodate this new consumer mindset. Just recently, General Motors Corporation announced the demise of 4 key truck plants in North America and are discussing what to do with the Hummer brand. At this same time, consumers really need to do their research on what product will best fit their need. While Hybrids are and can be hugely beneficial, the consumer must evaluate their use of the product, driving patterns, commute, etc.. to see if the incremental cost will pencil for them. In recent year, technology advancements in traditional combustion engines will meet most needs for functionality and fuel economy. As I travel around the SF Bay, I see many Hybrid drivers traveling at speeds that strip them of what they gain from their purchase decision. Bottom line is this shift in the economy with rising fuel prices, the continued concern over housing issues are making consumesr pause before they spend and when they do, they are selecting more fuel efficient products. I expect to see the big 3 import brands of Toyota, Honda and Nissan to do well.

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