At 11.9 feet in length, BMW’s Mini Cooper is the smallest passenger car sold in the United States these days. But that might not last long.
Hoping to cash in on what it sees as a potential surge in interest for city-type cars that are small, maneuverable, easy to park and easy on fuel, DaimlerChrysler is looking to bring a version of its 11.8-foot Mercedes-Benz A-Class to the U.S. as early as 2005, according to AutoWeek Online. The report says Mercedes-Benz’s top global marketing executive believes the A-Class will appeal to young city dwellers who want a vehicle with strong visual cues, a strong brand name and great fuel economy in a package that is easy to park.
If you play bumper cars trying to park on side streets in Lincoln Park, Bucktown or the Loop, these cars might be for you.
Separately, the head of DaimlerChrysler’s Smart unit told Reuters during the recent Paris Motor Show that the company wants to bring the tiny Smart to the United States as well.
There still are issues to be worked out–principally alterations to the fuel system–and no guarantee that U.S. authorities will grant DaimlerChrysler the leeway it might need to make the 98-inch two-seater legal here.
