Reply #5: Is it really the automaker's fault? [View All]

[kristopher]

The reason Toyota et al are more prepared for high energy prices in the US is that energy prices in their domestic markets are maintained at artificially high prices through taxation.

The US, for whatever reason, has chosen to maintain energy prices as low as possible for the consumer; rejecting long term planning at the political level.

Who do you realistically lay the blame for that on? Energy companies, politicians, consumers, auto companies? All of them?

Add to that the fact the the main reason for the current predicament is much more economic downturn than it is related to having the wrong line up of vehicles and I just don't see how these criticisms of the automakers are justified.