LABJ FORUM – It’s Not Easy Being Big

L.A. gasoline prices are again above $2 a gallon driving the cost of a fill-up for that Suburban north of $60. Meanwhile, a radical group called the Earth Liberation Front set fire the other week to the biggest SUVs, GM’s Hummers, to draw attention to their impact on the environment. Add in the ongoing safety concerns about SUVs and it’s enough to take notice. So the Business Journal asks:

Are you rethinking whether to buy an SUV or to continue driving one?

Samantha Deeder

Director of Marketing and Operations

Miller Kaplan Arase & Co.

I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The acts that were committed were thoughtless and stupid in as much as they created more pollution from the fires than those SUVs they destroyed and could have hurt somebody. SUVs today are built to strict environmental standards, and apart from using a bit more gas than other cars, they are better for the environment than the old cars of the ’70s. Besides, I wouldn’t change my mind about giving up my child’s safety because a bunch of “indigenous terrorists” want me to. I’m sure if they put some thought into it, they could use their desire to clean up the environment in much more productive and legal ways.

Frank Kline

Managing Partner

Kline Hawkes & Co.

My son became a teenager, got a learner’s permit and the rollover tilt factor was a concern for the family so I migrated to a four-wheel drive station wagon. It gets me around West L.A. and it’s easier for parking. SUVs are terrific for snow and dirt. But then again, most people I know who have SUVs really don’t go off-roading. In the 10 years that I had an SUV, I probably went off-roading about twice. It’s a tough call, especially with global warming and the fuel prices.

Donald Sands

Attorney and President

Sands Lerner

I don’t drive an SUV. I own a Volvo station wagon. I have found it to satisfy my safety and economy needs. I have the same space as the SUV but I don’t have the bulk. I don’t do any off-roading and most SUV owners don’t either.

Enrique Zamora

Sales Manager

Airport Marina Ford

People who want SUVs are not as easy to switch over to another car. The conservative buyer wouldn’t go for the SUV because of the gas prices. But the non-conservative wants the SUV with the DVD player and the Eddie Bauer interior and they don’t care about the gas prices. Like me, if I’m going to buy something, I want the best.

Jason Vines

President

SUV Owners of America

We buy (SUVs) for their safety and utility and versatility. Rising gas prices won’t hurt us as much as smaller vehicle owners who tend to be younger, with less income. This is the great thing about America: If you don’t like SUVs don’t buy one, if you don’t like a TV show, don’t watch it. We have a wonderful freedom of choice and some people want to dictate those choices. Many of the SUV critics are hypocrites because they live in huge Brentwood homes and use up tons of energy.

Joe Jennings

Creator

40mpg.com

I actually own an SUV. I drove one for about seven years, and it was really 9/11 that made me aware of the Middle East situation and the issue of oil dependence. Now I keep the car parked with stickers all over it. I could sell it but I’m not going to. I’m going to take it out to the desert and blow it up with dynamite. Keep in mind I’m not like these ELF people this is my own car.