I can understand why the 'international' car companies are worried. Europe is becoming increasingly regulatory over vehicles. Additionally, the majority of European infrastructure was planned before cars existed. As a result inner-city congestion is a big deal. Japan is no exception to the lack of space rule. The US, on the other hand, has a great deal of space (North American in general). Our big issue is the use of energy. I think think the US automotive enthusiast market is just beginning to see the future of cars. We'll never completely ditch the IC engine. Well at least not for another 100 years. However, electric vehicles are already having an enthusiast following. Neglecting the Tesla Roadster (which is an early aberation and not a real trend) the electric vehicle conversion community is building up momentum. There's even the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA, [ http://www.nedra.com ]). So I say that 10 years from now we'll be talking about the 'tuner' market beginning to take a serious look at the electric vehicle aftermarket.
"The 300ZX Turbo is a dance; it's a song; it's rolling, roaring automotive art. There is no color that doesn't suit it. There is no mood-lifting chemical substance it can't replace." - Automobile Magazine
