Is the U.S. Ready for Minicars?
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark, which first went on sale this summer, started off strong with 1,460 sold in July and 2,630 sold in August. September sales have cooled slightly with 2,223 sold. The Spark was initially launched in South Korea in 2009 and went global shortly afterward. According to GM, more than 600,000 have been sold since its debut and it’s the best-selling Chevy in India.
The iQ’s numbers are weak compared to Toyota’s smallest offering, the Yaris: Toyota has sold 23,818 this year. With a lower base price of $15,165, including a $795 destination charge, and lots more room (the hatchback is 153.5 inches), it isn’t hard to see why.
But even sales of the unloved ForTwo were up last month. The U.S.’s first minicar has had a tumultuous relationship with consumers and critics — Cars.com’s editors rated it the worst car of the 2000s — but the ForTwo is gaining in popularity lately. So far this year, Smart has sold 7,311 ForTwos in the U.S., which is significant compared to last year’s 3,757 units. September sales specifically were very strong, with 1,030 sold, compared with 469 sold in September 2011. The 106.1-inch two-door hatch starts at $13,240, including a $750 destination charge.
Looking at the 500’s success and the Spark’s healthy sales figures and global popularity, it seems like the time is ripe for minicars and U.S. consumers to get acquainted. By looking at the numbers, these small cars are starting to win a tiny place in American’s hearts.
