Chapter 10. Dimension Optimization

In the mid 1970s, gas prices in the United States increased dramatically, often as much as fivefold. Suddenly, there was a great demand for smaller, fuel-efficient cars. In the 1990s, as gas prices remained stable for a long period of time, the demand for large, fuel-hungry sport utility vehicles increased. A concern over fuel efficiency is directly correlated to the cost of the fuel. Even in the most fuel-conscious times, you want to find the most effective tools for increasing efficiency. As an old saying goes, “Yes, technically, you can improve your gas mileage by emptying the ash tray, but....”