US protectionism, or what happens when there’s too much of a good thing

Ah, technology.

You’ve got to love it. Or hate it.

Especially if you’re an auto dealer or a US refiner at the moment.

Both currently find themselves in a similarly challenging period. Call it the curse of being a middleman in a world moving to direct everything.

Over in the auto world, for example, a stealth revolution is currently being waged on car dealers by manufacturers. Thanks to the internet, there’s simply no reason why car manufacturers can’t deal directly with customers. Orders can be gathered online, and customers — rather than being targeted by pushy salesmen — can take full control of the decisions they make. Prices, extras and specs can be decided upon with the helpful advice of independent experts, fans, enthusiasts, and journalists on auto forums.