Small cars; the next big thing?

You may be of an age to remember the gas price shocks of the late 70s and early 80s. You know, the ones that everyone to park their behemoth gas guzzlers and started driving smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles? You may also recall then, that when prices tanked later in the 80s, the popularity of compact cars crumpled and cars evolved into SUVs?

That bumpy ride continues today. As gasoline prices soar to record levels, car buyers are once again shifting gears. They’re looking for smaller cars and alternative-fuel vehicles. And, according to a recent Globe and Mail article, car manufacturers are trying to find ways to protect their market share by responding to the current demand.