We have a perfect storm at the moment with historically high gas prices (though on their way down), a plunging stock market, tight credit, and a growing demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles, but a lack of fuel-efficient vehicles on dealers’ lots.

How will the “Big 3″ that we know today fare in the future, given this environment? Online, consumers discuss how GM, Chrysler and Ford rely heavily on trucks and SUVs, and how they themselves are struggling with how to off-load their current vehicles in order to purchase smaller, more fuel-efficient ones. The recent $25 billion government auto loan has spurred a heated online debate with most hypothesizing how Detroit would look if a potential merger were to occur between GM & Chrysler and what vehicles would survive.

GM has a lot riding on their much-anticipated electric car, the Volt, which Bob Lutz has promised will be available in 2010. The Volt is only one of many topics swirling around GM lately, while mergers, government loans, plant closures, the UAW, GMAC, and their 100th anniversary also drive buzz.

What are your thoughts on a GM & Chrysler merger?