cleverwise
Elio Aficionado
I work at the Hanford nuclear reservation in eastern Washington state. The site was constructed in top secret during world war II to produce the plutonium for the atomic bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki Japan to end the war. As such it was built 30-45 miles from the nearest community and that's the average commute. A large percentage of employees van-pool in vans provided by the local metropolitan bus system. Unfortunately I own a 100 acre farm 65 miles in the opposite direction (the advantages far out weigh the disadvantages) but I must commute 130 miles a day. For a number of reasons a large percentage also choose to drive the 60-90 mile daily commute from town.
It is interesting to note the various means of transportation. Geo metros and Suzuki swifts are almost a status symbol, as is the Smart for 2. Not too man years ago VW diesel rabbits seemed to be breeding like...Well you know.
The individuals who choose to purchase new SUV's, crew cab pickup's or large luxury sedan's every couple of years and use them to commute are almost treated with disdain. I know for a fact they are ridiculed behind their backs.
I see the Elio as being the next IT car, and can envision the sight of the commute from town looking a lot like the 60's when it seemed that every other car was a VW beetle.
Ah the self righteous small car owner. Those evil truck and SUV owners. I think smart cars are silly and laugh at them but I don't feel disdain for those driving them. It is their money and choice.