In the newest “Here and Now” version of Monopoly, Hasbro has replaced the old open-wheel race car with a Toyota hybrid Prius. Other game pieces included are a mug of Starbucks Coffee, a New Balance running shoe, a carton of McDonald’s fries, and a laptop.

In the newest “Here and Now” version of Monopoly, Hasbro has replaced the old open-wheel race car with a Toyota hybrid Prius. Other game pieces included are a mug of Starbucks Coffee, a New Balance running shoe, a carton of McDonald’s fries, and a laptop.

Granted, the Prius isn’t exactly a cheap car at more than $20 large, but I’d venture to say unless you’re a geek-chic Silicon Valley techie billionaire, it’s probably not your ride of choice, either. I think a Mercedes S-class or even Toyota’s own Lexus LS 460 would have been more appropriate though my personal vote would be for the in-your-face Cadillac Escalade.

But if we’re talking about “Here and Now”, the growing dominance of foreign automakers–and Toyota in particular–is an inescapable fact.

Same goes with child and adult obesity (the fries) and our addiction and reliance on telecommunication (laptop & cell phone). And, of course, the ubiquitous cup of Starbucks. Is it just me, or are there actually more of these caffeine merchants around now than the proverbial McDonald’s?

When a foreign automaker is represented in the All-American game of Monopoly, you’ve got to wonder if Detroit’s golden days are truly over.

–Edward A. Sanchez