Will The GM Minicars come to the U.S.?

[Ming]

Originally Posted by likearock00

Blah. I don't think there is a market here for a minicar. They look cool, but the key to the success of these cars would be functionality and economy.

Well that's two different things, and I'd rather not see GM leave the decision as to whether or not there's a market for these cars to guys listening to Bob Seger in their 300hp Silverado 4x4's.

But seriously, likearock, you're right about the utility and economy. I'm afraid that while it looks cool, the Beat as a 2-door would have a much more limited number of buyers than a 4-door Beat. And if they could get creative about how the seats work and fold (like a fold flat - either down or fully back - front seat), like some Japanese Kei cars, then the interior space could be maximized when needed.

DmitryKo wrote something once about how the Matiz's engine was upgraded a couple of years back -- so a Matiz styled like the Beat (and not given the Detroit decontenting treatment) might do very well. However, the real powerplant might be that new one they're building in China since the current Matiz engine would probably be considered too small/weak for the U.S. market.

If you look at most of the Daewoos you'll notice that in the UK, Korea and India they have smaller engines than the ones we get in, say, the Suzuki Forenza or the Aveo.

[Saturn69]

Heck, I'd take one. Give it a 1-liter 3cyl for the base engine and 1.2-1.5L 4 cyl as the optional one, both with 6-sp manual or auto. It'd be nice if it were here by the time my Ion is paid off, but I highly doubt it.

[Chaz_23]

GM would be braindead not to sell those here. With whatever CAFE lunacy this or the next congress comes up with, they'll need these things. Plus they look fantastic, and GM image-wise needs them, too.
Just do it, but do it soon, not in 2020.

[Olds88]

Originally Posted by Ming

Well that's two different things, and I'd rather not see GM leave the decision as to whether or not there's a market for these cars to guys listening to Bob Seger in their 300hp Silverado 4x4's.

But seriously, likearock, you're right about the utility and economy. I'm afraid that while it looks cool, the Beat as a 2-door would have a much more limited number of buyers than a 4-door Beat. And if they could get creative about how the seats work and fold (like a fold flat - either down or fully back - front seat), like some Japanese Kei cars, then the interior space could be maximized when needed.

DmitryKo wrote something once about how the Matiz's engine was upgraded a couple of years back -- so a Matiz styled like the Beat (and not given the Detroit decontenting treatment) might do very well. However, the real powerplant might be that new one they're building in China since the current Matiz engine would probably be considered too small/weak for the U.S. market.

If you look at most of the Daewoos you'll notice that in the UK, Korea and India they have smaller engines than the ones we get in, say, the Suzuki Forenza or the Aveo.

I wonder how much it would take to take the 2.0 SIDI Ecotec in the Sky RL and the GXP Solstice, remove the turbos and cut displacement to 1.5L. Should still be good for like 100hp-120hp which should be well more than a car like this needs. It would also be efficient thanks to DI and the small displacement. Use cobalts 5sp manual and you have a nice quick efficient deathbox that will at least be a nice marketing tool.

[BlueMontreal]

Trax for Chevrolet
Groove for Saturn
Beat for Pontiac

[FireFox89]

I'll make it short and simple, Beat>Aveo.
Given that the aveo is a joke, this should change preception quickly.

[ByTheLake]

GM would sell a ton of those little cars if they were on dealer lots today.

My youngest is in college, and she honestly doesn't care about 0-60 times. Her med school student loans are her priority, so she wants fuel economy and an affordable vehicle. Hopefully a tiny engine comes with the package and offers excellent mileage.

GM, please bring these microcars to the US, and quickly!

[racy]

Originally Posted by Ming

Well that's two different things, and I'd rather not see GM leave the decision as to whether or not there's a market for these cars to guys listening to Bob Seger in their 300hp Silverado 4x4's.

There's no indication that GM is turning the corner with regards to marketing and advertising. None whatsoever.

We read, hear and see tidbits of information which demonstrate a change of direction with regards to improved design, quality and economy. But the guy, or group of guys within GM who ultimately approve of the marketing campaigns are apparently still clueless and carry enough power to kill a good thing. GM's entire marketing heirarchy needs to be canned. It is not the ad agencies who are the problem. It is the people who are instructing the agencies on what to produce.

p.s. The product marketing group within GM must be all male. I cannot believe any female approving the crap marketing campaigns over the past 15 years.

[PontiacBixler]

Given that this whole weekend on Headline News, they were repeating their SMART car story almost every 5 mintues which was getting the attention of my in-laws, GM should just close up shop right now if they don't bring one of the 3 out in NA.

My in-law's extended family NEVER take an interest in vehicles and that car story had them talking all day long and into the night.

As long as GM doen't "GM-ize" the cars they should do very well.
BTW, by "GM-ize" I mean:
- Water down the styling so that they look as bad as the 3 Door Aveo.
- Screw up the MPG abilities of the engine and give us something that barely hits 32 MPG.
And finally,
- Prices these things out of the market range. Knowing GM, they would price it at above $20,000 and say that we should be lucky to have it at that price... These kind of cars can't start at anything over $12,000 and cannot exceed $16,000.

[rsbaker]

Originally Posted by Dave B

I saw them at the auto show and they were getting a lot of attention. I think there is a market for them and GM should make one of them. They would sell well.

I actually think GM should sell all 3 as a kind of brand within a brand for Chevrolet. They'd be real competition for Scion. especially if they keep the price at $10-$12K. With cars that inexpensive I could see people even buying them 2 at a time.

[nascarnate326]

If they did semi decent in snow (lots of lake effect here) I would love to buy one. Dont water it down, and make sure the MPG is 40 +. Id love to park a Beat next to a GTO or a Camaro after I get out of school.

[Toto]

Originally Posted by Olds88

I wonder how much it would take to take the 2.0 SIDI Ecotec in the Sky RL and the GXP Solstice, remove the turbos and cut displacement to 1.5L. Should still be good for like 100hp-120hp which should be well more than a car like this needs. It would also be efficient thanks to DI and the small displacement. Use cobalts 5sp manual and you have a nice quick efficient deathbox that will at least be a nice marketing tool.

GM have small engines with a little ooomph. The 1.6 low pressure Turbo with 150hp (Corsa GSI) and the 1.6 high pressure Turbo with 180hp (Meriva OPC, Astra) and with 192hp for the Corsa OPC.

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

We need these, ASAP!

I personally like the Groove. Seems more practical.

Not sure on the names of these though. Maybe go "alphabet soup". 2 alphanemeric characters, or 3.

[code blue]

I don't care how cute they are. You'll never catch me getting in one.
They are too short and there is not enough crunch zone for my comfort. They may do well in Europe, where the mighty SUV is a rarity, but not here the States. And let's face it - at less than 1 ton - they are no match for the 2 and 3 ton behemoths that terrorize our roads.

[BlueMontreal]

Originally Posted by rsbaker

I actually thing GM should sell all 3 as a king of brand within a brand for Chevrolet. They'd be real competition for Scion.

I think GM should sell the Pontiac Beat to offer something to GMC-Buick-Pontiac dealers.