None of these were designed in the US
Chevy preps three minicars
Chevy will use its introduction of three concept minicars -- vehicles smaller than subcompacts such as the Chevrolet Aveo or Honda Fit -- to gauge consumer reaction to the urban racers.
Designers at GM's studio in Inchon, South Korea, created the Chevy Trax, as well as two other minicars that will be showcased next Wednesday at the New York International Auto Show.
The four-door Trax is powered by a 1-liter engine. The flat-faced, burnt-orange concept includes a roof rack, sweeping headlights and small engine vents on its flared fenders.
The Trax resembles a muscular and boxy Mini, the BMW small car that's found a cult-like following.
Additional details on the three vehicles will be revealed the day of the New York event.
Also that day, Chevrolet will open voting on the Web site
Chevy will use the results to gauge whether to bring a production version to America.
Industry analysts see potential for carmakers to expand into the extra-small car market, especially if gasoline prices continue to rise.
"Pretty much everyone is looking at entry-level cars nowadays," said Stephanie Brinley of Southfield-based AutoPacific Group, an automotive consulting firm.
The subcompact market has only a handful of choices for consumers, said Jesse Toprak, a senior analyst with Edmunds.com, an automotive resource tailored for consumers.
"It's a small market, but one of the fastest-growing markets," Toprak said.
Minicars are "becoming fashionable," she said. "There is a potential, especially in the big cities on the East and West coasts, to sell minis."
Minicars offer excellent gas mileage and are easy to maneuver and park in cities, Toprak said. They will attract more customers if the price point can remain under $10,000, she added.
"People will be surprised with all of the options and amenities that can come with a minicar," Toprak said. "There's a lot of car you can get for not a whole lot."
All three concept vehicles are built on GM's global mini architecture.
-- The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause. Who at the best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. T.R. April 10, 1899