Filed under: Economy, Japan, Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi kei cars "Bloom" for Japan's ladies
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When you boil away everything else, the core elements of the new "Bloom Edition" Mitsubishi kei cars are their Sakura Pink paint; light-colored, water-resistant seat fabrics; and makeup mirrors. Yes, there are other colors available, and we're sure some of the Japanese shoppers (women, specifically) who Mitsu is targeting might also appreciate the cars' UV glass with water-repellent coating (think "factory Rain-X" here). But the real package centers on the Hello Kitty-look that the pink brings. The Bloom Edition package is available on the "i" (above) and eK Wagon kei cars. It's not uncommon to see keis marketed in pastels with an eye toward female buyers anyway, but these Bloom Editions are about as direct as you can get. Who knew vanity mirrors could actually be promoted as a selling point?
[Source: Mitsubishi]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
calebe 2:11PM (12/26/2007)
Mary Kay would be happy
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kryss 2:52AM (12/28/2007)
Dreamhouse and ken doll included???
cowboy bob 2:47PM (12/26/2007)
These things will be all over the place in SanFrancisco.
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bluewolf 11:52PM (12/27/2007)
GO COWBOY !! THIS IS A CAL-CAR !! They should ask walt disney if they can use Tinkerbell ,as a hood ornament !!! lol
BILL 3:00PM (12/26/2007)
Members of the U. S. Congress should be touring their districts with examples of Japanese Kei cars to demonstrate to their voters what they have legisated to meet their future transportation needs.
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Xcountryflyer 3:09PM (12/26/2007)
Despite the color--here is another example why Mitsu isn't doing that well in the US. All their unique and interesting vehicles are for other markets. It is like that for many automakers. We get the stale crumbs.
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jeffzekas 4:45PM (12/26/2007)
Awesome idea! Style and economy are the way to go! Okay, so it's a "girl car"... So what? How about a "Nascar Edition" of the Mitsubishi i? And a 4WD gunrack-toting-confederate-flag-on-the-roof orange colored "Redneck Edition"? Attention US Government: give a safety and smog exemption for Japanese Kei cars. Then, start bring 'em in! With gas soon to be $4 a gallon in the US ($8 a gallon in the UK)-- and peak oil production having been reached in 1993-- we should be doing everything possible to encourage conservation! Kei cars, both stylish and functional, are one piece in the puzzle.
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janus1854 8:51PM (12/27/2007)
I think that's the ugliest thing I've ever seen...and 'pink' no less.UGH!
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John 8:55PM (12/27/2007)
Stupid these ugly junk piles are being pushed down our throat as our future. Cost more than a Chevy look worse than a yugo. True answear Hydrogen or electric AMERICAN CARS! Buick electra,sChevy Impala,s Ford Mustangs !! with electric or hydrogen engines. Not ugly little clown cars from Asia
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MsMike 6:34PM (12/28/2007)
Unfortunately, the U.S. is more into conspicuous consumption than energy conservation so until that changes, wewill continue to make the Asains richer and the Americans poorer.
Belinda 9:13PM (12/27/2007)
At first, I laughed, but it kinda grows on you, and I would actually drive it. :)
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Joan Eckard 10:10PM (12/27/2007)
I think it's adorable! I would drive it, but I would prefer purple.
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Stephanie 10:13PM (12/27/2007)
Eww that aint pink! Tha looks more like rotten salmon or nail polish. I thought it would be real pink. That's ugly.
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Kuyami 10:18PM (12/27/2007)
I personally think it's a cute car, and I really want one! Not in "Sakura Pink", definately, but I still want one!
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Donna R 10:38PM (12/27/2007)
This car is butt ugly. It also would be a death trp in any type of collision. Give me American made and steel around me please. Tell me, what would you do when a semi passes you? The wind would blow you off the road.
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Stephanie 10:40PM (12/27/2007)
Yes purple would be much better but real purple not some ugly wine or blueish crap. But i still don't like the 'bug' looks of this car...
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Riki 10:51PM (12/27/2007)
Cute car...for a girl. And yet I would rather see THIS car used in the upcoming Knight Rider TV movie than the bleepin Mustang that's Ford is going to try to pass off as the new KITT!
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jules 10:58PM (12/27/2007)
Cute?? I guess a 7 year old girl might think so, but I would rather have a car that is usable, you know like to go camping, and take along what ever is needed on a trip. I happen to be a female who carries a lot of gear for emergencies, and sorry that rollerskate will not handle the driving I do.
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Jennie 11:19PM (12/27/2007)
OMG CUTE!!!
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Beeker D. 11:39PM (12/27/2007)
Most GIRLY car now is either TOILETOTA Highlander or the New Volkswagon Beetle!
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