Motor Authority - blog Category: Compact

The vagaries of the automotive market in the current economic situation are such that while some models, and even entire brands, sell poorly, some individual cars are going gangbusters. Thanks to its solid positioning as a functional, cute, inexpensive and efficient hatchback plus Honda's reputation for reliability, the Fit (Jazz to the rest of the world) is doing quite well in the U.S. - so well that Honda may have to find new ways to boost supply.

The current stockpile of Fits for the U.S. would last just 19 days if not replenished, and that figure is "much too low" according to Dan Bonawitz, Honda's vice president of corporate planning... The vagaries of the automotive market in the current economic situation are such that while some models, and even entire brands, sell poorly, some individual cars are going gangbusters. Thanks to its solid positioning as a functional, cute, inexpensive and efficient hatchback plus Honda's reputation for reliability, the Fit (Jazz to the rest of the world) is doing quite well in the U.S. - so well that Honda may have to find new ways to boost supply. The current stockpile of Fits for the U.S. would last just 19 days if not replenished, and that figure is "much too low" according to Dan Bonawitz, Honda's vice president of corporate planning and logistics, reports MarketWatch. "We can't fill all our dealer orders," said Bonawitz. In order to bring supply up to dealer demand levels, Honda is now "considering all options" including possibly building the Fit in the U.S. Honda's flexible supply chain has already allowed it to shift production from slow-selling models to more core products, such as the Civic. Even as Honda's overall sales dropped 28% in October, along with the rest of the industry, the Fit rose by the same percentage.2009 Honda Fit Read More

Japanese compact car specialist Daihatsu has increased its UK dealer network in Hertfordshire following the appointment of Quenby Bros. Ltd, located in Baldock.

The Coleshill-based importer has signed up eight new dealers so far this year and aims to grow its 120-strong network to an eventual 140 showrooms.

One of the oldest dealers in Hertfordshire, this family-owned business first opened its doors in 1919 and together with its eight experienced staff, will offer a full range of new and used Daihatsu products.

Dealer Principal, Donald Duncan, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to a franchise that is synonymous with reliable,... Japanese compact car specialist Daihatsu has increased its UK dealer network in Hertfordshire following the appointment of Quenby Bros. Ltd, located in Baldock. The Coleshill-based importer has signed up eight new dealers so far this year and aims to grow its 120-strong network to an eventual 140 showrooms. One of the oldest dealers in Hertfordshire, this family-owned business first opened its doors in 1919 and together with its eight experienced staff, will offer a full range of new and used Daihatsu products. Dealer Principal, Donald Duncan, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to a franchise that is synonymous with reliable, low-polluting and economical compact cars. Despite the difficult economic climate, we hope to not only generate repeat business from satisfied customers but also to win new converts.” Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director, Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors Ltd said: “For us the dealer creates opportunities in the marketplace regardless of where they are located. With ever-increasing fuel costs and tighter budgets, the dealers are the key to the fortune of Daihatsu in the UK.” Meanwhile, Daihatsu’s new five-year warranty introduced this year is proving a strong attraction to the brand with sales up more than 16 per cent year-to-date. Read More

Hoping to share in the success of the growing minicar segment, Toyota is planning to release its new iQ minicar in Europe and Japan early next year following its debut next month at the Paris Motor Show. While there’s a chance the iQ may not be offered in the North American market due to its diminutive stature, future variants based on the car’s underpinnings are more than likely to make it Stateside.

The iQ measures less than three meters in length, yet it can comfortably seat three adults plus one small child and is expected to score a five-star rating in international crash-safety tests. However, exchange rate issues and... Hoping to share in the success of the growing minicar segment, Toyota is planning to release its new iQ minicar in Europe and Japan early next year following its debut next month at the Paris Motor Show. While there’s a chance the iQ may not be offered in the North American market due to its diminutive stature, future variants based on the car’s underpinnings are more than likely to make it Stateside. The iQ measures less than three meters in length, yet it can comfortably seat three adults plus one small child and is expected to score a five-star rating in international crash-safety tests. However, exchange rate issues and America’s SUV-dominated highways may be too much of a hurdle for the pint-sized hatch. Instead, Toyota is reportedly working on several new models based on the iQ platform, one of which is the next-generation 2011 Yaris compact. The other models rumored to be in the works include a seven-seat MPV and a low-cost hybrid vehicle aimed at Honda’s upcoming Insight, reports MotorTrend, and these could all potentially be offered in North America, especially the Yaris. Toyota has designed the iQ from the ground up to spawn other vehicles. Its construction is nearly all-steel, which was essential for future models such as the seven-seater and hybrid. The first of these are expected to arrive in 2010. As for the iQ, Toyota expects to sell 100,000 units annually, although competition from other manufacturers including Smart and Volkswagen will be a hurdle. The latter is rumored to be working on a whole family of new compacts based around its own up! minicar.2010 Toyota iQ minicar Read More

General Motors has always been reluctant to bring the Pontiac G3 compact to the United States despite the car selling well in Canada and Mexico, but that has all changed as the car is due U.S. showrooms in the first half of next year. The decision to bring the Pontiac G3 was influenced by the explosion in the small car segment in recent months, growing a staggering 33% in the first six months of this year alone, according to Pontiac chief Susan Docherty.

Generating 106hp (79 kW), the G3’s 1.6L Ecotec four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Some of its attributes include an... General Motors has always been reluctant to bring the Pontiac G3 compact to the United States despite the car selling well in Canada and Mexico, but that has all changed as the car is due U.S. showrooms in the first half of next year. The decision to bring the Pontiac G3 was influenced by the explosion in the small car segment in recent months, growing a staggering 33% in the first six months of this year alone, according to Pontiac chief Susan Docherty. Generating 106hp (79 kW), the G3’s 1.6L Ecotec four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Some of its attributes include an EPA estimated 27mpg fuel economy rating in the city and 34mpg on the highway, plus the best shoulder and hip room in the segment for up to five adults. The rear seats also feature a 60/40 split to offer up to 42 cubic feet of cargo space. The G3 also comes with air conditioning, a CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack, fog lamps, rear spoiler, optional OnStar, and a host of standard safety features. These include four airbags, allowing the car to score a five-star safety rating in frontal crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Pricing is yet to be announced but the car will come with GM’s five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.2009 Pontiac G3 five-door Read More