This is a critical point. I expect the rapidly emerging Chinese middle class will seek to emulate the West's desire for personal transportation. If this is factored in to the growth rate in China's demand for oil or liquid fuels in general, I would expect to see an increase in their rate of consumption on a per capita basis. Without doing any math on this, I wouldn't be surprised if Chinese demand growth drives crude prices to the $100/bbl level even if we see worldwide production not peaking.

Asian demand for resources (commodities and energy) has already had a significant impact on prices and has seen some downward adjustment but I expect we have only seen the tip of the iceberg. I am bullish on energy prices based more on growing Asian demand than on a decline of world production.

On the other hand if GM is expecting this I could well be wrong! What does Toyota say?

On the other hand if GM is expecting this I could well be wrong! What does Toyota say?

Toyota in China: Full Speed Ahead

Just as the auto maker has grown rapidly in the U.S. over the last decade, it's now gearing up for rapid expansion in China. In December, Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe outlined plans to ramp up sales 60% during 2006, to 290,000. And ominously for rivals, by 2010, the company aims to triple its current share in China to 10% of the fast-growing market

Thanks! Toyota's brains more than offsets GM's stupidity.