GM May Sell Mini-Cars to Fuel-Conscious U.S. Buyers

[DeclinetoState]

July 3 (Bloomberg) -- General Motors Corp (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=GM%3AUS)., which popularized the 7,800-pound Hummer, may begin selling a mini-car more than a foot shorter than anything else it markets in the U.S. to win back buyers deterred by record fuel prices.

GM may bring the production version of the Chevrolet Beat to the U.S., people familiar with the plan said. The car, which would normally be reserved for markets such as Asia and Latin America, gets as much as 40 miles a gallon, a fuel efficiency topped in the U.S. only by hybrids.

The possible American introduction of the Beat would be one step in a fleet downsizing and shift away from fossil fuel-based vehicles that the people said is already under way at Detroit- based GM. Resigned to $4-a-gallon gasoline (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=3AGSREG%3AIND) and stricter pollution rules, the largest U.S. automaker has recognized that its response must go beyond the mothballing of large truck plants, the people said.
More (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aEJvUUe4iUlU&refer=worldwide)

Would it be safe to drive on the freeway? Would the engine be durable enough to take long trips regularly? I think the answer for most extremely small cars sold here or elsewhere in the world is no.

[M.C.]

http://www.cars.com/features/autoshows/2007/newyork/coverage/images/concept_chevy_beat_fang_cad_430.jpg
Ugly car

But 40 miles per gallon will surely sell it, and we really need to stay strong in the car market as Americans. Hopefully something like this will fight back against the Japanese cars that seem to be outnumbering American cars.

[BarkleUSA]

I can't believe we're waving the white flag and considering driving those gulf cart sized cars when we have all the oil we need right here.

You won't see me driving one of those, taking the bus or riding a bike to work.

My Dodge Charger has got plenty of room and horsepower plus I feel I could survive an accident with plenty of sheet metal around me.

When you think about it, the increased demand for oil in China and India was created by us offshoring manufacturing jobs to China and technology jobs to India. The unintended consequence is their rising middle class - all wanting to drive a Toyota or Honda to work.

I say DRILL HERE, DRILL NOW, PAY LESS.

[DesertFox]

I wouldn't buy that piece a shiite for a song and a dance.

Of course, I wouldn't buy an American-made piece a shiite, period. Strictly Jap for me. I've spent my last dollar on endless repair bills.

[dPrasse]

40 mpg ? The Ford/Mercury EXP/LN7 did that in the early 80's ...

DRILL HERE DRILL NOW SAVE AMERICA NOW

[DesertFox]

What Prasse said.

'Sides, I gotta scooter than gets unlimited mpg. Sorta rough on shoe leather, though.

[dPrasse]

Fox ...

How about this scooter ??

Never leave the cold ones behind ..

http://www.coolerscooterdirect.com/cooler%20scooter%20black%20500w.jpg

[DesertFox]

Nah. Tilts over too easy. You can't take curves with any speed. And with them little bitty-ass tires, everything's bumpy. And it looks like it gots training wheels, even if it don't. And I want them handle bars way up high, like on a chopper. And black-and-white's cop colors -- give it to IC.

But yeah, I bet it gets kick-ass mileage.

[Penguin]

http://www.cars.com/features/autoshows/2007/newyork/coverage/images/concept_chevy_beat_fang_cad_430.jpg

More liberal wet dreams. A lawn mower with wheels.

I cannot wonder but how many illegals could be packed into this Hot Wheels car on steroids.

[DeclinetoState]

I hope it comes in a color other than banana slug green.

[RayChuang]

Well, Ford will introduce this new model for the US market probably by late calendar year 2009:

http://supercarblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/new-ford-fiesta-2.jpg

The new Ford Fiesta--which will look pretty much like this except for the slightly longer bumper required by NHTSA safety rules--is supposed to be quite roomy and get very good fuel economy. This is one of three Fiesta models to be sold, the other being a three-door hatchback and a four-door sedan.

[Penguin]

That looks a bit like my sister's Prius. A Boy-in-the-Plastic-Bubble fantasy.

You get enough of these on the road and have them play Rock'em Sock'em Road Rage, you will keep HAZMAT teams in business for a bleem.

[Maggie_T]

This is what Europe is driving. I've already seen one or two in Idaho.

http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/040820/040820_Smartshowroom.h2.jpg


It looks like someone kicked this thing in the arse and flattenend it.

Little death traps, too. You crash into anything - even driving at 30 - and you pulverize yourself to atoms.

[DeclinetoState]

Actually, it's supposed to very safe (though the details in the article don't quite agree with the headline).

The Smart ForTwo earns the top rating for front and side impact protection in crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: June 12, 2008: 4:55 PM EDT

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The ultra-tiny Smart ForTwo earned top marks in side and front crash tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said Wednesday. The two-seat car did not earn the Institute's Top Safety Pick designation, however, because it didn't earn top marks for whiplash protection.

But even if the ForTwo improved its whiplash protection, it would not be named a Top Safety Pick, said IIHS spokesman Russ Rader. The institute does not have a specific size requirement, but the ForTwo is simply too small to be considered safe under all conditions, including highway driving, he said

Smart would not comment on the IIHS's decision regarding the car's eligibility to be a Top Safety Pick.
CNN (http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/14/autos/smart_fortwo_iihs_crash_test/index.htm?eref=rss_topstories)

[Maggie_T]

Good. Let others test its "safety." I'll stick to my Jeep Liberty, thank you very much (although I must say, it IS a gas guzzler :( ).

[DesertFox]

Yeah, but that's why it's nice to be a Rich American. :D

[Timberwolf]

I put a hydrogen generator on my Suburban today...highway mileage @ 70mph went from 15 to 19.2...only had a 35 mile trip. I really wondering what I'll get on our trip to the Twin Cities next Wednesday.

Still, that's more than a 25% increase in mileage for a $50 investment.

[Beowulf]

This is what Europe is driving. I've already seen one or two in Idaho.

http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/040820/040820_Smartshowroom.h2.jpg


It looks like someone kicked this thing in the arse and flattenend it.

Little death traps, too. You crash into anything - even driving at 30 - and you pulverize yourself to atoms.

I've seen a bunch around here too, Maggie. I'd like to see the sticker on them. On second thought, maybe not. I'd probably go into shock.

[DesertFox]

I want a car that runs on water. Tap water. That way I don't have to keep buying pure Rocky Mountain spring water at exorbitant prices. Then they'll jack up the price of tap water and I'll want a car that runs on piss. Then I can swing by where all the illegals hang out and give 'em 50 cents apiece to take a leak in my tank. Then when they start jacking up the price on illegal piss, I'll want a car that runs on used coffee grounds.

[DeclinetoState]

I want a car that runs on bullsh*t. Then I can go to Donkey Union, Huff-and-Puffington Post, Fisted Idiots, Daily Squash, the miserable failure (http://www.michaelmoore.com) . . .

[DesertFox]

You really wanna hang around them cisterns? :question:

[DeclinetoState]

No, just long enough to "fill 'er up!"

[Maggie_T]

Yeah, but that's why it's nice to be a Rich American. :D

I'm only rich by communist standards. :sulk:

[DesertFox]

Oh, no. Most any Darfurian would consider you rich beyond their wildest dreams. So would Rwandanians. And Sudanese. etc etc. :D

'Course, when you think about it, their countries are pretty-much run by commie moh fohs in mufti.

[DeclinetoState]

This is what Europe is driving. I've already seen one or two in Idaho.

http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/040820/040820_Smartshowroom.h2.jpg


It looks like someone kicked this thing in the arse and flattenend it.

Little death traps, too. You crash into anything - even driving at 30 - and you pulverize yourself to atoms.I've seen a bunch around here too, Maggie. I'd like to see the sticker on them. On second thought, maybe not. I'd probably go into shock.
MSRP: $11,590
Estimated Market Price: Not Available
Invoice: Not Available
Source (http://autos.yahoo.com/smart_fortwo_pure/)

Probably you could drive it off the lot for $12,500-$13,000, depending on your negotiating skills.

[DesertFox]

I'd give a buck fifty for that piece a shiite. And they'd have to pick up the tax.

[Maggie_T]

I've seen a bunch around here too, Maggie. I'd like to see the sticker on them. On second thought, maybe not. I'd probably go into shock.


I'm sure you've guessed by now what they are. :biggrin: :rolleyes:

The one I saw had a BS (such appropriate initials) that was the equivalent of some mewly, eco-nazi idiocy about "conserving." Usual shit.

[Maggie_T]

Oh, no. Most any Darfurian would consider you rich beyond their wildest dreams. So would Rwandanians. And Sudanese. etc etc. :D

Who? Oh, them. :evilgrin:

'Course, when you think about it, their countries are pretty-much run by commie moh fohs in mufti.

Indeed. HUSSEIN's relatives, perhaps? ;)

[Maggie_T]

I'd give a buck fifty for that piece a shiite. And they'd have to pick up the tax.

Exactly.

People say "Oh, but they gave great mileage." Well, of course they do! They're matchboxes, for crying out loud! You should be able to wind them up, like toys.

[DesertFox]

Way back in 1960 my sister had an Isetta 300. A car for two with the door swinging out front (and taking the steering wheel with it). Mileage like a moped.

[Maggie_T]

Oh, yeah. I remember that. Another cute little death trap.


Mileage like a moped.<!-- / message -->


That's exactly what it was. A moped with a cover.

[DeclinetoState]

Way back in 1960 my sister had an Isetta 300. A car for two with the door swinging out front (and taking the steering wheel with it). Mileage like a moped.

http://www.clwb-y-meicrocar.com/bath5.jpg

It makes the Mini Cooper look like a Greyhound bus in comparison.

[DoctorDoom]

This 1958 BMW Isetta 300 was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $20,000 - $30,000. It was offered without reserve. Power is from a 18.2 cubic-inch single-cylinder engine with an overhead valve and an available 13 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and drum brakes on all four corners. The car rests on a small, 59.1-inch wheelbase.1958 BMW Isetta 300 (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z1808/BMW_Isetta_300.aspx)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v349/DocDoom777/Cars/Isetta300-1-600.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v349/DocDoom777/Cars/Isetta300-3-600.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v349/DocDoom777/Cars/Isetta300-2-600.jpg

Echh.

[Rhino]

General Motors Corp., which popularized the 7,800-pound Hummer...No, they didn't. They bought Hummer long after it was popular, which is exactly why they bought it. Then they threw away the Hummer design and started building Tahoes with square, Hummer style bodies and labelled them 'Hummers'.

[DeclinetoState]

General Motors Corp., which popularized the 7,800-pound Hummer...No, they didn't. They bought Hummer long after it was popular, which is exactly why they bought it. Then they threw away the Hummer design and started building Tahoes with square, Hummer style bodies and labelled them 'Hummers'.The H1 was the "original" Hummer (at least, the original version marketed to the public); I don't believe it's even made anymore. The H2, H3 and subsequent designs have, as Rhino pointed out, a few trimmings that make them resemble the H1, but are otherwise re-badged versions of Chevrolets and GMCs.

[DesertFox]

All I know is, last year around November I seen a full bore 2003 Hummer on a used car lot. It was in great shape and carried a tag of $38k. Fied had that much change on me, I'da driv that bad boy home.

[Maggie_T]

I LOVE Hummers. :thumb:

[gnome]

40 mpg ? The Ford/Mercury EXP/LN7 did that in the early 80's ...

DRILL HERE DRILL NOW SAVE AMERICA NOW

I just wanted to note that a car labeled 40mpg in the 80s would rarely perform that well in real-world circumstances, and would be labeled at less than 40mpg under current standards. So 40mpg now means more efficiency than "40mpg" then.

[Timberwolf]

I LOVE Hummers. :thumb:
Me too, but I'm married so I don't get them anymore.

pssst...Timber....whisper whisper whisper

:blush: Oh THOSE kind of hummers....so sorry, my mistake.

[Rhino]

I just wanted to note that a car labeled 40mpg in the 80s would rarely perform that well in real-world circumstances, and would be labeled at less than 40mpg under current standards. So 40mpg now means more efficiency than "40mpg" then.They still don't perform anywhere near the stated figures.

[Rhino]

Me too, but I'm married so I don't get them anymore.

pssst...Timber....whisper whisper whisper

:blush: Oh THOSE kind of hummers....so sorry, my mistake.http://freeconservatives.com/smilies/doggie.gif

[Timberwolf]

Yeah, shoot...I probably owe Maggie another keyboard as soon as she reads it. :biggrin:

[dPrasse]

They still don't perform anywhere near the stated figures.

They do if your real life is on dyno rollers !

[gnome]

They still don't perform anywhere near the stated figures.

I am able to get my car to exceed its mileage rating routinely. I think how you drive makes a big difference.

[Maggie_T]

Me too, but I'm married so I don't get them anymore.

pssst...Timber....whisper whisper whisper

:blush: Oh THOSE kind of hummers....so sorry, my mistake.

:roar:

Try to stay focused, honey.

I'll send you the bill. :rotflmbo:

[Maggie_T]

I am able to get my car to exceed its mileage rating routinely. I think how you drive makes a big difference.

Don't tell me. Let me guess. You must be one of those drivers who make me mad as hell by driving like arthritic little old ladies, and thus force me to overtake them at 100 mph. :evilgrin:

[mu'min]

Don't tell me. Let me guess. You must be one of those drivers who make me mad as hell by driving like arthritic little old ladies, and thus force me to overtake them at 100 mph. :evilgrin:

Ha. That sounds like me, when I drive. I'd like to thank you and all others like you for burning your gas unnecessarily and thus putting more (oil) money into my pockets.

I'm with gnome here. I drive mixed city and highway, about even, and I achieve just at 28 mpg when my '02 Malibu is only supposed to get 20/28 city/hwy.

[DesertFox]

I get real good mileage on my Nikes.

[Maggie_T]

Ha. That sounds like me, when I drive.

Oh, a wussy. Am I supposed to be impressed?

I'm with gnome here.

Don't worry, gnome. We won't hold it against you.

[gnome]

Don't tell me. Let me guess. You must be one of those drivers who make me mad as hell by driving like arthritic little old ladies, and thus force me to overtake them at 100 mph. :evilgrin:

:question: maybe...

I tend to drive the speed limit or slightly lower. My aim is not to drive arbitrarily slow, but to find a speed where I don't need to use the accelerator or brake much. For example, I've found going 40 on a traffic-light-laden road with a 45 MPH speed limit, I tend to catch most of the lights. Aware of the fact that I prefer to drive slower than others, I try to stay in the right or middle lane (when there's three). Interestingly, I often catch up to the people that pass me, at the next traffic light.

In heavy, fast traffic I try not to be an obstruction and step it up a little to keep up with the flow. Foolish consistency being the hobgoblin, etc...

[mu'min]

Interestingly, I often catch up to the people that pass me, at the next traffic light.

Yup. That's one of the best things when someone roars past you and then half a mile later, you're right beside them at a light. Of course, this is only in city traffic or a few miles on the freeway. Going long-distance, they'll outrun you by an hour+.

A lot of times, when there isn't much traffic in town, you'll see people accelerate like mad just to get to a light that turned red just a few seconds ago. I, however, just coast to the light and by the time I get to the light, I'm still going 15 - 20 and the light turns green. So I end up passing the other guy while not burning any gas (or hardly any).

I tend to drive the speed limit or slightly lower

I just tend to drive in the 55-65 range as much as possible, whether above or below the speed limit. I've found my car to have maximum efficiency there. MPG decreases as you move away from that.

Oh, a wussy. Am I supposed to be impressed?


No. Why would I try to impress you or even think my driving habits would be able to impress?

A wussy? Ah, nice. I choose to save money and I'm a wuss? Fine then. Not that I care what someone online thinks about me.

[mu'min]

Anyway, I hope these sell by the boatload in dense, urban places like Manhattan and SF. No major reason for 'large' vehicles in those areas, except by certain people. But most could get the few miles they need just fine in a vehicle like this. They won't exactly be hit by a semi at 70 mph. Save the gas for the people in rural America where they have to go 30 miles to town.

People need to put their money where their mouth is, especially liberals. This is a good way.

[hosl]

Me too, but I'm married so I don't get them anymore.

pssst...Timber....whisper whisper whisper

:blush: Oh THOSE kind of hummers....so sorry, my mistake.

:claps: Brilliant.

[Maggie_T]

A wussy? Ah, nice. I choose to save money and I'm a wuss?


No, I just call people who drive slowly 'wussies.' That's all. And I always get the buggers in front of me, slowing me down, and making me lose my temper. :rolleyes:

[Maggie_T]

:question: maybe...



I was just joking, gnome. Remember "joking"?





Why is everyone so bloody touchy today?

[gnome]

I was just joking, gnome. Remember "joking"?





Why is everyone so bloody touchy today?

You're good with me. I was trying to say that with a little humor :)

[Penguin]

Why is everyone so bloody touchy today?

Well, not me. :)

I will say what bugs the hell out of me is at least down here is that half the people (mainly natives) will drive 20 in a 40mph street while the others will go 50-60 on the same street. Can play havoc when you are trying to cross the street.

[dPrasse]

I drove 400 miles to Cincinnati from N. Illinois with our Ford Explorer ...
At night , I was not in a hurry , traffic light on the Interstate I set the cruise at 55mph ....
17 mpg ...

On the way home , I was in a hurry , so I ran the girl 65 - 70 mph ...16mpg

Putzin' along , pissing Maggie off isn't worth it ... go "Balls Out" and get to where one is goin' ...