...but North America did not learn from the previous lessons regarding oil shortages. The mindset was to make smaller cars (see Chrysler, survival in mid/late 1970's) and when it startd to smooth out - big gas guzzling, enviromently unfriendly vehicles became popular again.

A comedian (- names escapes me.. Gallgaher???) said, "If it were me, I'd find a way to drill through the earth and suck it out from under 'em!!!"