74 ~ Wednesday. November 9, 1994 ~ North Shore News The case of t Greg AUTOMOTION IN 1989, Canadian new-car buyers could choose between 25 sub-compact cars from different manu- facturers with an average asking price of $8,057. Five years later, the number of small cars available has dropped to 14 with an aver- age price of $9,873. The drop in the number of small cars on the market can be blamed partly on declining car sales in Cancda. Total new vehicle sales in Canada declined from a high of 1,100,000 in 1986 to a low of 740,000 in 1993. Sales of sub- compact cars, as a percentage of total sales, were even harder hit. In 1990, 150,000 sub-compact cars were sold, compared to an estimated 106,000 this year. Popular cars like the Nissan Micra, Subaru Chaser, Volkswagen Fox, Dodge Omni, and Dodge Colt 100 have been phased out over the past five years. Other less well-known cars, such as the Isuzu I-Mark, Pontiac LeMans, Yugo, Skoda, and Innocenti, have also been dropped. The reason for this decline is difficult to understand given that modem small cars are more fuel- efficient, more powerful, roomier, quieter, and more reliable than they used to be. From an environmental point of view, small cars use less of our non-renewable fossil fuels and emit fewer harmful exhaust emis- sions by volume. In addition, they’re easier to drive in urban environments where 90% of our driving is done. Higher vehicle prices, higher insurance costs, higher taxes, and rising gasoline costs have failed to stop Canadians from buying more mini-vans, compact trucks, sport utility vehicles, and compact sedans. There are at least four reasons why small cars are losing favor with motorists. The first is not obvious to motorists, but it is an important factor nevertheless. New car deal- ers don’t make much profit selling small, inexpensive cars. The (0% or 15% profit.a dealer makes on a $10,000 car is mostly eroded by high overhead costs. advertising, rent, sales commis- sions, and other expenses. There is little incentive for a franchised automobile dealership to sedi it Peed best stem ge that Vina : we Another reason that Canadians are rejecting small cars is safety, Today's car- buyers are more knowledgeable about safety and recognize that small cars don’t stand up very Well ina collision with larger. heavier vehicles. Our highways are crammed with large trucks, semi-trailers, 4X45, pick- ups and sedans — all rather imposing to the driver of a small car. In addition, contemporary val- ues help sell safety. Until the late 1980s, sufety was never a big sell- ing point with consumers, but the current emphasis on airbags, anti- lock brakes, side-door beams. crumple zones and the like have made safety an important priority for car buyers. 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This is in stark con- trast to Europe and Asia where the costof driving a large sedan or truck in Europe or Asia is prohihi- tive forall but the well-to-do. Another possible reason sub- compacts are losing favor has to do with their image. In 1994, sport-utility vehicles, sporty coupes, pickup trucks, and popular family sedans are cool. Tiny cars are just too ordinary, too spartan, too small for contemporary tastes. This perception may change with time, but for now small cars don't project the image that most people want. Though the future of small cars in North America looks dim, there 92 TAURUS Ford's Mot seller, alr cond, & alr bag '94 COROLLA Toyota Sedan, automatic, alr bag $13,888 CONVERTIBLE 1893 Mustang - Loaded - Liks New WHO TO CALL: Auto Editor AP. McCredie 985-2131 (113) is one factor that could change the balanee of sales the drive to Improve air quality in major arban centres may lead to legistation that will require strict emissions stun- dards that only small, lightweight cars can meet, Ail the major vehicle manufie- turers have so-called “city cars” waiting in the wings, These are cars (hatanticipate the future needs of congested and polluted cities. Since the growing awareness of safety has prompted many people to demand dual airbags in their cars. the growing concern with air quality may motivate consumers to buy environmentally triendly automobiles. If it becomes fashionable to drive a “green” car, we'll probably see a resurgence of sub-compact cars in this country. ‘94 SABLE Dual Aly Bags, Powsr Seat, Loaded '94 TAURUS Dua! Airbags, Full Load, Low Kms. : ry ut Wag, UaiSales . 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