Canadians "More Practical" Car Owners

[doh]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/060127-3.htm

Canadians more practical and environmentally-friendly drivers


Washington, D.C. – Canadians own fewer vehicles than Americans, drive more, and buy very responsibly, says industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers, speaking at the Transportation Research Bureau's annual conference in Washington, D.C.

"Canadians are very kind to our environment and slowly but surely moving to more fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly vehicles," DesRosiers says. "I would argue that, relative to our culture and geography, Canada is one of the most responsible vehicle-owning populations in the industrial world."

DesRosiers' speech outlined the differences between the two countries, saying, "We own about a third fewer vehicles, drive each a little more than Americans but that is because we don't have secondary vehicles to spread out our driving needs, and we buy very responsibly."

According to DesRosier's presentation, only 12 per cent of Canadians are "do it yourself" on repairs, as opposed to 28 per cent of Americans; Canadians keep their cars an average of 8.2 years, with Americans less than five; there are fewer motorsports enthusiasts in Canada; and much less accessorizing of vehicles. In the U.S., the percentage of vehicles per driving age population was 99.7 per cent in 2005, while in Canada, it was only 71.9 per cent.

[V6powerr]

You guys do well up there with the Impala being built up there! I get good gas mileage with my ride!

[Z28x]

I'd say part of that has to do with Canadians having less disposible income. Correct me if I'm wrong, but for the avg. person, isn't income tax close to 50%?

[Arizona Slim]

Which one is Canada again? The one up north or the one down south?

[give_it_all_]

No, it's not that high up here, the most it can be is 45%. And that's if you make $135k I think. Most people pay about 30-35% I think. But most families make $100k+.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by Z28x

I'd say part of that has to do with Canadians having less disposible income. Correct me if I'm wrong, but for the avg. person, isn't income tax close to 50%?

Like give_it_all said, it's not that high, I just got my T4 slip and I payed about 22% to income tax. But it's still alot of money, that 22% is $13,000 that I could have put to very good use.

[doh]

Originally Posted by give_it_all_

No, it's not that high up here, the most it can be is 45%. And that's if you make $135k I think. Most people pay about 30-35% I think. But most families make $100k+.

yea but then 15% tacked on to anything you purchase, plus property fuel any other taxes.

[jbernie]

I guess the comparitively dirt cheap cost of gas in the USA doesn't do much to increase demand for fuel efficency! The US is a very consumer oriented society.

But then again the higher turn over in the US can get you some very nice not overly used vehicles for good prices.

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

Originally Posted by Jono

that 22% is $13,000 that I could have put to very good use.

Now you're getting it.

[TimR]

Originally Posted by Arizona Slim

Which one is Canada again? The one up north or the one down south?

That sounds about right.

Tim

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by doh

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/060127-3.htm


According to DesRosier's presentation, only 12 per cent of Canadians are "do it yourself" on repairs, as opposed to 28 per cent of Americans; Canadians keep their cars an average of 8.2 years, with Americans less than five; there are fewer motorsports enthusiasts in Canada; and much less accessorizing of vehicles. In the U.S., the percentage of vehicles per driving age population was 99.7 per cent in 2005, while in Canada, it was only 71.9 per cent.

All that says is that Americans completely, and thoroughly, rock.

[Ming]

Originally Posted by Buick61

All that says is that Americans completely, and thoroughly, rock.

Looking at your sig, I'd have to agree!

[shelby]

Originally Posted by Arizona Slim

Which one is Canada again? The one up north or the one down south?

All that says is that Americans completely, and thoroughly, rock.

A couple of examples of why Canadian-American relations have been kinda chilly lately... not that many Americans care of course.

[Arizona Slim]

Pipe down, Canada! Just give us your oil, we'll give it a good home.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by Arizona Slim

Pipe down, Canada! Just give us your oil, we'll give it a good home.

Like down the gullet of my eight-barrelled Belvedere?