Unless there are any immediate plans to produce vehicles running on fuels other than derv (inc bio fuel) or petrol, then many will simply choose not to buy a new car for fear of not being able to afford or find fuel to fill it.

At school (all those moons ago) they always cited 2014-20 for the worlds oil running out. I can see it happening way before then more likely 2012ish.

Once I'm 1/2 way through my agreement, and if prices continue, I shall walk away from the Octy as it's too costly to run and tax.

Until we hit a recession brown wont do anything. He wasnt too bad as chancellor, but did have to win over a party to become PM. All his winning votes came at a price, and we're the ones who'll pay it just so he can say he was PM.

It is not running out, there are lots of proven reserves and it may cost lots to get it but by no means running out.

I read somewhere the world uses around 85 million barrels per day

Then there are the oilfields that are refilling, so current estimates could be well off what is actually down there. Don't believe all the propaganda of peak oil and only 20-30yrs of oil left.