Small Car

The San Francisco US press launch of the teeny-tiny two-seat 2008 Smart Fortwo involved an interesting presentation and drive experience. I learned that its history dates back to the late 1980s when SMH (Swatch watches) CEO Nicolas Hayek decided that a substantial number of people wanted a small, stylish city car that was built like a Swatch watch with Swatch-type personalization.

The Toyota Prius has put in its time as the benchmark for hybrids and fuel efficient vehicles on American roads. For Scott Burns, it's put in time as a family car as well, and one he's been incredibly happy with.

A new study shows you don't have to sacrifice legroom for fuel economy.

Nissan is taking the careful approach as it brings out its second electric vehicle. To show off the car's practicality, Nissan gave seven moms in suburban Japan the chance to test drive the New Mobility Concept vehicle to see how it works transporting their kids, going shopping and running errands. The Tokyu Corp. has joined with Nissan and the city of Yokohama for the Yokohama Mobility Project Zero, which was designed to increase low-carbon transportation locally.

General Motors is touting some numbers it has, showing that its venture into the low-priced, high mileage mini-car segment seems to be paying off by bringing in young and female buyers who've never owned a Chevrolet before. Since launching in the summer of 2012, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark has sold more than 12,000 units. GM's internal early buyer data show that 29 percent of the buyers are under 35 years old, 51 percent are female and nearly 54 percent are conquest sales, which means that they're

The Brazilian Hyundai subsidiary has launched a Brazil-only flex-fuel model called the HB20. It will be manufactured at its new plant in Piracicaba, Brazil, which starts production September 20 ahead of an early October sales launch.

Peel P-50 and Trident pose with a Rolls-Royce – Click above for high-res image gallery

Peel P-50 and Trident pose with a Rolls-Royce – Click above for high-res image gallery

2011 Infiniti QX56 – Click above for high-res image gallery

2011 Infiniti QX56 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler's international sales in both the minivan and pickup categories are strong, but the company lacks strong small vehicle sales outside of the U.S. In Canada, Chrysler may be fairing well in the light truck market, but is virtually non-existent in both the B-segment and the C-segment of passenger cars. With limited international success in the small car market, Chrysler struggles to gain a strong foothold. B-segment and C-segment vehicles accounted for more than half of all vehicles sold i

2010 Chevrolet Spark – Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite rumors of Daimler and Renault collaborating on a four-door Smart model, no official tie-up between the two companies has been announced. That could change next year when Daimler will reportedly decide who its small-car partner will be. Daimler is getting even more heavily into the development of small cars, both with its Smart brand and the Mercedes-Benz A- and B Class offerings that might one day make it to America.

Despite rumors of Daimler and Renault collaborating on a four-door Smart model, no official tie-up between the two companies has been announced. That could change next year when Daimler will reportedly decide who its small-car partner will be. Daimler is getting even more heavily into the development of small cars, both with its Smart brand and the Mercedes-Benz A- and B Class offerings that might one day make it to America.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery

2009 Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

2009 Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery