Luckily for motorists, the increase in gasoline prices has seemed to have tapered off from large increases to smaller ones.

Going from $3 a gallon to just over $4 a gallon in a matter of months has left motorists unhappy. Average prices were around $4.10 a gallon with the record at $5.08 in Hawai.

The latest price hike comes amidst a lower dollar and an oil workers strike in Brazil.

E85 still averages $3.29 a gallon across most states.

I have been reading the news, like many of you and have seen the big three scramble to fill the market with small compact and sub-compact vehicles.  This has been especially hard, since they are not accustomed to a slowdown of trucks and SUV’s.  In my opinion it will take a few years for this change to take effect.  It is widely known, that Ford loses money on every Focus it sells, but then again it loses money on every Mustang as well.

The F-150, which has been the single best selling automobile for 16 years in a row is experiencing double digit declines in sales.  This is due to high gas prices and a weak economy.  I expect the sub-compacts and compacts, which have been successful in Europe will start making their way over here soon.  I also expect some smaller makes to gain territory into the North American marketplace soon.  This may end the dominance of larger type vehicles, with so many people making their buying decisions based on fuel efficiency.

I expect Chrysler, Ford and GM to continue to lose money in the coming years.  Probably 3-4 years at the least, until they can produce a turnaround plan, which effectively combats the current economic and environmental conditions we are faced with today.

Seems there is not much positive to write about these days.  2,600 jobs lost one day, gas rises to a record $138.50 the next.  It seems all too quick and too true.

Unemployment numbers in the states shot up, causing general unease in the stockmarket.  The market was down about 400 points today across the board on the news that oil traded $11 up to almost $139 a barrel.  I can hardly wait for it to hit $150 a barrel which they predicted will happen in the next month.

You thought you’ve seen high gas prices, appearently you heaven’t seen anything yet. What will you drive if gas is going to be $1.50 a liter? I can hardly wait for the TTC and airlines to further raise the price of tickets.

This summer is going to set new records as far as costs go to get around.  I think I might invest in a bicycle.

If you have a hybrid, this would be the time to pat yourself on the back and say, I saw it coming…