Published: May 09, 2008 11:51 am            

Kandace's Korner: It's not about gas; it's about the economy

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

Toggling gas prices have now hit a new average, with the AAA reporting a national average of $3.65 a gallon. Hardly a surprise. And I was told Thursday morning that at least one local gas station reportedly listed gas above that average at $3.69 a gallon.

Now, I didn’t run off to see if it was true, but I did check out the state average, which as of Thursday was higher than the national average at $3.72.

Again, hardly a surprise.

In Indiana, it was reported that motorists recently vied for positions — and when I mean vied for positions, I mean they allegedly screamed at one another as they tried to edge out each other in line at a Swifty gas station on the south side of Indianapolis — for a chance to fill up at $3.55 a gallon, while other stations around them set their prices for regular unleaded at $3.85.

Nice to see what we’ve become.

However, earlier this week Chrysler LLC announced a new incentive program that will supposedly allow customers to lock in the price of regular unleaded at the bargain price of $2.99 a gallon. Now, that deal is good for three years when you purchase one of “most” of the automaker’s new vehicles, and Chrysler will supposedly pick up the tab for the remaining price per gallon it costs to fill up your vehicle.

That’s also assuming one meets the credit requirements for the company prior to financing a new vehicle. According to the Detroit Free Press, Chrysler’s new program, “Let’s Refuel America,” began as a result of the company being “hit hard” by high gasoline prices and consumers seeking fuel-efficient cars.

Hmm. You think?

But, get this: About a week ago, Chrysler executives told the Detroit newspaper that the nation needs high gas prices to encourage consumers to buy more fuel-efficient vehicles.

I don’t know about you, but my bank account doesn’t “need” high gas prices. What I need is an economy that suggests I won’t have to worry whether my children can afford to take care of themselves in the future. I need an economy backed by a government that is aware of those in this nation who are struggling to make ends meet.

Yes, Rodney and I bought a 2004 Prius because of the high gas prices, but we sure as heck didn’t “need” them to be that high. We’re the kind of people that like to have choices in our lives, and let me tell you, high gas prices is definitely not encouraging in a positive manner.

But here’s something else: Apparently Jim Press, Chrysler president and vice chairman, stated this new “incentive” program is “not about how to make [Chrysler] see our responsibility, but it's really about being responsible to our customers’ wants.”

Huh. For some reason, I think customers want something different, Jim.

        

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