Well, it has been quite a year wouldn't you say? We went from record high gas prices to a five-year low in the price of fuel. I hate to say  "I told you so" but if you recall I said in one of my recent articles that if demand goes down and inventory goes up the price will drop and it did exactly that. Enjoy it while it lasts because it will not last more than a few months. Our powers to be in Albany want to add more taxes to a gallon of gas purchased in New York State. 

 The supply and demand rule also applies to clothing and household goods as well. Prices on these items are also dropping as inventories continue to rise. It will all get back to normal at some point and time. I wish I had some extra money kicking around to take advantage of some deals but this is not a good time of year to buy more toys. I am trying to get out of the habit of being a pack rat. 

 It seems we have a trade off so to speak. The fuel prices have come down and made it a bit easier on our daily expenses but the rest of the economy is in the gutter. I see where a lot of people are losing their jobs, especially in the auto industry. 

 There are many opinions on the government bailout issue for the auto manufacturers. What some people overlook is the fact that a failure of one of the big three auto makers would have far reaching consequences. There are millions of people employed by suppliers for parts and services for these companies. Separate companies supply interiors, steering parts, transmissions and so on. 

 Just because the vehicle has a brand name on it does not mean it is all manufactured with that brand's parts only. The engine could be from the United States, the interior from Canada, the transmission made in Mexico by an aftermarket supplier and so on. 

 You can see how a lot of jobs could be affected both here and over our borders which would eventually come back to hurt us. Bankruptcy is an option but that would make all union contracts void and pensions would be lost and so on. 

 The United Auto Workers Union would then be in an awkward position as far as securing benefits and contracts that equaled what they had before because the money would not be there. I can see where it could get real sticky. This is only my opinion based on what I have read in the news and may not be 100% accurate because they seem to change their story every day. I just hope that they can save the big three from extinction.

 I have also heard that the future of NASCAR could be in trouble. Keep in mind that any form of auto racing is entertainment but is also a business that employs many people from sponsors and marketing people right down to the people who work the tracks, which by the way are in the thousands. 

 I hope the new year brings a solution to all these problems and the future of the automotive industry becomes bright once again. I hope you all have a great year, too!