The three major Japanese automakers, as
though in a time warp to the first fuel crunch in the Seventies, are gearing up to release their latest small vehicles
on U.S. shores in 2006. (Yaris, Fit*, and Versa, respectively.)
Timing, again, couldn’t be more
perfect. Though prices have dropped from $3 per gallon, government and independent studies forecast eventual increases
through the next twenty years. And the public agrees: sales of small vehicles such as the Chevrolet Aveo and
alternative fuel vehicles like the hybrid Prius have all risen.
Unlike the Seventies, though, it’s
not just fuel savings attracting American interest. The new vehicles are well-equipped compared to the old econoboxes
of yesteryear with features like MP3 capability (Yaris), an advanced braking system (Versa), and others once found in
costlier models.
The competition is heating up. Again.
*Picture is of the Honda Fit, also
known as the Jazz.