Q. Is Volvo really serious
about dropping internal combustion engine (gas) cars in a few years?
— E.H. (via Internet)
A. Volvo reportedly has made that decision. Automakers must
contend with future government regulations, climate change, urban
pollution and consumer concern about emissions. European nations seem
more serious about abolishing gas engine cars than the U.S., and
automakers must sell on a worldwide basis. For example, Norway wants to
ban fossil-fuel vehicles by 2015, France wants sales of gas and diesel
vehicles to end by 2040 and India is thinking about a total ban on
internal combustion cars by 2030. In America, most car buyers skip
electric vehicles because of such things as higher prices, limited
battery range and insufficient infrastructure that make charging
“EVs” a challenge. Also, we have relatively low fuel
prices. More legislation and development of an infrastructure to
support EVs seems necessary to make EVs more acceptable..
Q. I hear that old station wagons from the 1950s
to the 1970s are making a comeback among collectors, most of whom used
to scorn them. — P.S. (via Internet)
A. Funny how things change. Wagons from the 1950s and 1960s are
“cool” again, as are some from the 1970s. But you’ll
have to hunt for a good one because many were driven into the ground,
being basically “work” vehicles. They’re reasonably
priced because those buying them now are not members of the “big
money” crowd who buy such pricey old collector cars such as
Ferraris, Pontiac GTOs and Corvettes. But mainly watch for out for
rust. Good states to find a decent old wagon thus include Florida,
Arizona and the Seattle-Tacoma area. Look for sleek wagons such as
four-door hardtop or two-door models. Great examples are the Oldsmobile
Vista Cruiser and Chevy Nomad two-door.
Q. I really love big,
powerful, beautifully styled cars from the 1960s, especially for long
drives. What’s one of the best such cars? I’m not looking
for a muscle car. — D.M. (via Internet)
A. The affordable 1966 Buick Electra 225 two-door sport coupe with its
big, powerful V-8 is a good choice. It’s a fast, gorgeous luxury
car, not a muscle car. You can bet it will still turn lots of
heads.
Q. How important is the new Tesla Model 3 to
Tesla? — A.J. (via Internet)
A. Very important, being the first “affordable” electric
Tesla, with a base list price of about $35,000.
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