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Friday, August 31, 2007
Drooling for
Nano-Cars?
The
bad old days were Satanic. But great.
ADAM.31. It's good to be a pygmy. Pretty soon they'll be handing out prizes to kids who are shorter than their parents because littler people produce less carbon dioxide. Fortunately, those littler people will have nice little luxo cars to drive:
Luxury auto makers have typically
offered vehicles in three sizes: medium, large and extra-large.
Beginning this fall, they're adding a new one -- small.
Environmental concerns and high fuel costs have given diminutive, efficient vehicles a boost in the size-obsessed U.S. marketplace as consumers begin to swap their large, thirsty vehicles for alternatives such as the Mini Cooper. In the past year or two, Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. have all introduced new, low-cost subcompacts to satisfy the perceived demand.
Now AG's Audi, BMW AG and Ford Motor Co.'s Volvo are getting into the act. Those high-cachet brands are lining up products that will test American tastes for small vehicles with outsize performance, posh amenities and premium price tags.
Other manufacturers, like GM's Saab unit and DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes-Benz, have similar models in development that could make the leap to North America.
Environmental concerns and high fuel costs have given diminutive, efficient vehicles a boost in the size-obsessed U.S. marketplace as consumers begin to swap their large, thirsty vehicles for alternatives such as the Mini Cooper. In the past year or two, Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. have all introduced new, low-cost subcompacts to satisfy the perceived demand.
Now AG's Audi, BMW AG and Ford Motor Co.'s Volvo are getting into the act. Those high-cachet brands are lining up products that will test American tastes for small vehicles with outsize performance, posh amenities and premium price tags.
Other manufacturers, like GM's Saab unit and DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes-Benz, have similar models in development that could make the leap to North America.
Little pictures of little cars.
Personally, I can't wait. Because, boy, are they ever going to have to get out of my way when I come cruising by in my Satanic Cadillac. We'll scarf up those little babies like peanuts.
Who do you want to ride with? Them or me?
Well, okay. But you bring the suntan oil. SPF 2. I go for the tropical look.
