Time for Change? July kills Detroit

No hope until the Volt?

For decades the winds of change have blown across the automotive landscape of America, spreading the seeds of compact car interest, fuel economy, etc. Nurtured by the ever-growing dangers of foreign oil dependency, pollution, and global warming, the seeds of change have flourished.

Consequently, as "unexpectedly weak" July auto sales is forcing Detroit's automakers to expect "vehicle sales to end the year at a nine-year low," the Toyota Prius - the poster child of change - has become the top selling vehicle for the same month.

Not long ago, the Prius was labeled with terms like joke or publicity stunt, even a stupid idea. Yet, not only do Prius sales continue to strengthen, they continue to power Toyota and its hybrid cars . And, make no mistake, selling 60,000 Camry hybrids this year is no less of a joke than the 1st generation Prius - the future is not just the Prius.

America is ready for change now more than ever. Unfortunately, any real change coming out of Detroit, such as the Chevy Volt, is still, minimally, a few years from reality.

As labor unions and executives begin to hammer out the future, let us hope the winds of change are not only realized, but harnessed. Change is the only way forward.