[fijigabe0]

while i agree with you, that the US contributes greatly to the problems facing the world, the way you presented your argument was ridiculous. you quoted absolutely no one, on your way to bashing the US, and the "facts" you presented were, for the most part, wrong. The US may produce more than its fair share of carbon, but a large percentage of the population at least believes it's a problem.

now, to say that many Prius owners buy their cars to be seen in them, again, leads me to the question: where do you get your information? a comedian like Jay Leno? hardly a source of credible information. i think, and i have no information to back me up, other than my own observations, that most Prius owners are driving around in them because they believe: (1) they are saving on fuel and (2) they are saving the earth. there are some who fall into category (3), which is those who love producing Smug, and smelling their own farts, but i believe them to be the minority. they are still stuck in their Cadillac Escalades and Lincoln Navigators (or 5-series & E-Classes, etc...)

Now, my point on the 4-cylinder engines was that until BMW designed a way to make 4-cylinder engines that appealed to American consumers, they realized it was better to NOT offer the engine at all, instead focusing on economical 6-cylinder engines. now that BMW has developed the way to produce 4-bangers that Americans will want, while still preserving the "luxury" appearance that BMW has in this country, then we're talking. however, a 3-cylinder engine will be a tough sell here in the US.

if you want to make sure you can continue driving your sporty BMW, listen to the US market. they only make up 39% of BMW's global sales... think about what BMW would be, if they didn't sell here.