Higher fuel prices are increasing the demand for smaller, more gass efficient vehicles. New safety technology, longer commutes, and fuel prices are peaking consumer interests in smaller cars.

"Small is big again. With gasoline prices at near-record levels, auto makers are preparing to introduce a range of small cars, most costing $14,000 or less. After years of pushing hulking SUVs, the industry is betting that fuel-efficient subcompacts are due for a comeback...."

"...Honda is also expected to roll out a minicar in the spring, most likely a version of its hatchback known as the Fit in Asia and the Jazz in Europe. At Nissan, one of the minicars being considered for the U.S. market next year is the Tiida, a minicar sold in Japan and China, and which has a body shape that hints at the Nissan Murano, the SUV-car crossover vehicle...."

"...Small cars such as these are becoming safer to drive amid recent technological innovations that are helping auto makers overcome one of the biggest consumer reservations about driving minicars: safety. When it reaches the U.S. market, the Honda Fit will have side airbags and antilock brakes as standard equipment...."

Source:
By NORIHIKO SHIROUZU
Published on 7/23/2005

 

little cars rule!

 

Well, given the fact that sales of the Chevrolet Aveo (which is actually a Daewoo product) and the Kia Rio series have been going strong lately, I think Americans have started to discover the so-called Supermini-class automobiles.

Besides the upcoming Fit/Jazz for the North American market, Toyota is bringing over a replacement for the Echo based on the current Vitz hatchback now sold in Japan, and Nissan is definitely considering bringing over the Tiida hatchback, too. There's even talk of Chevrolet selling the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva in the US market, though of course the Meriva will be sourced from Daewoo in South Korea.