mikeyb
10-06-2005, 06:40 PM
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/il/news/2005/1003/toyota.yaris.500.jpg
The Echo bombed in the U.S. but Toyota is hoping that the new Yaris will find better footing.
DETROIT — Nissan's recently announced 2007 Versa joins a growing list of modern, roomy, affordable and economical "B-segment" (subcompact) models designed initially for overseas markets but finding increasing acceptance with fuel-starved American consumers.
The Versa, which goes on sale next summer in the U.S., will compete with other small Asian cars set to debut in this country, including Toyota's Yaris — the smartly styled successor to the slow-selling Echo — and Honda's Fit. The Versa (called Tiida in Asia) and the Fit are in production in Japan and China; the Yaris is being produced in France. Nissan also reportedly plans to introduce its next-generation Cube, a boxy companion to the Versa, in the U.S. in late 2007.
The new Japanese B-segment designs, most priced from around $12,000, will face a challenge from the Koreans. Chevrolet next year is expected to field a redesigned Aveo, and should continue to enjoy a significant price advantage. The current Aveo is based on the Daewoo Kalos; the new '07 Aveo will be derived from the new Daewoo Gentra and is expected in the U.S. next summer.
Earlier this year, Kia rolled out an all-new version of its entry-level Rio, along with a five-door companion, the Rio5. Prices start at $11,000. The Rio will be joined this fall by a redesigned Accent, with which it shares basic underpinnings.
What this means to you: A new wave of affordable small cars from Japanese and Korean automakers could pave the way for inexpensive cars from China toward the end of this decade.
source:http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=107452#2
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The Echo bombed in the U.S. but Toyota is hoping that the new Yaris will find better footing.
DETROIT — Nissan's recently announced 2007 Versa joins a growing list of modern, roomy, affordable and economical "B-segment" (subcompact) models designed initially for overseas markets but finding increasing acceptance with fuel-starved American consumers.
The Versa, which goes on sale next summer in the U.S., will compete with other small Asian cars set to debut in this country, including Toyota's Yaris — the smartly styled successor to the slow-selling Echo — and Honda's Fit. The Versa (called Tiida in Asia) and the Fit are in production in Japan and China; the Yaris is being produced in France. Nissan also reportedly plans to introduce its next-generation Cube, a boxy companion to the Versa, in the U.S. in late 2007.
The new Japanese B-segment designs, most priced from around $12,000, will face a challenge from the Koreans. Chevrolet next year is expected to field a redesigned Aveo, and should continue to enjoy a significant price advantage. The current Aveo is based on the Daewoo Kalos; the new '07 Aveo will be derived from the new Daewoo Gentra and is expected in the U.S. next summer.
Earlier this year, Kia rolled out an all-new version of its entry-level Rio, along with a five-door companion, the Rio5. Prices start at $11,000. The Rio will be joined this fall by a redesigned Accent, with which it shares basic underpinnings.
What this means to you: A new wave of affordable small cars from Japanese and Korean automakers could pave the way for inexpensive cars from China toward the end of this decade.
source:http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=107452#2
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