Es-car-go

The retro MINI and FIAT 500 have been a tremendous success. But in today's cash strapped society isn't it time for a new, bargain basement World Car? I would approach Hyundai and get them to obtain the marketing rights for the Citroen 2CV. Then, construct a new model in the retro 2CV shape - based on their excellent i10 engine and running gear. My wish list includes:- a) new on the road price of £3,000; b) 75mpg; c) 75 mph; d) 100% reliability; e) 5 years warranty; f) plastic (bounce-back) body panels; h) once a year service at £50; i) £25 annual VED; j) cheap insurance; k) sold at Tesco; l) maintained at Halfords. I think this car could sell in the millions and every UK household should be able to afford one. Out of interest, whatever happened to FIAT’s initiative four or five years ago to introduce a car for just £3,500? Presumably it got canned for commercial reasons? However, the economy has dramatically changed for the worse and the time is now ripe for such a vehicle. My deposit for 'his' and 'hers' re-born Hyundai 2CVs is at the ready for 2011 delivery.

Asked on 3 January 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
FIAT's ECObasic was canned because of Euro safety legislation. It would actually be impossible to build and market the car you envisage in Europe because of this. On the other hand, Renault has so far refused to sell Dacia models in the UK because they would be too cheap (though that may change). And there is actually no money to be made by building ultra cheap cars anyway. Even small cars like the excellent Hyundai i10 make very little money because they cost almost as much to build as larger cars, but can't be sold for as much. And the only way to make a really cheap car is with really cheap labour. By which I mean £2.50 – £5 a day. Remember, only about 50 million people in China are relatively affluent. The remaining billion live on less than £1 a day.
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