Dodge's economy model

As the price of petrol in America sores to almost 40 pence a litre, GM has decided to pretend to distance itself from what Americans call ‘Big Oil’.

“Dear Oil,” their subtle new TV commercial begins. “We’ve had this great relationship for many years. We think we will both be a lot happier and healthier if we see less of each other.”

Dodge is taking more direct action and intends to play up fuel-economy for its 2009 Challenger model line-up.

Although Dodge expects that the 5.7-litre Hemi V-8 will prove to be the biggest-selling model, the company is very excited about the economy-model Challenger, which boasts a mere six cylinders and around town is good for almost 18 mpg.

Dodge brand director Mike Accavitti said  “Nobody wants to be the gas-guzzler brand.”