Nissan planning two sub $10K cars for US?

[rfernatt]

The small car wars are heating up...

Nissan Planning Two Small Cars Under $10K For U.S. Market

Now Nissan has said it will bring not one but two sub-$10,000 cars to the U.S. The company didn't name them, but they are to be based on the same mechanicals as the well established Micra mini-car--smaller than the current Versa subcompact--sold in Asia and Europe.

The tiny two-seat Smart ForTwo did well in 2008, its first year, when gasoline prices were high. Sales last year plummeted, even at a base price of just $11,990, and the not-altogether-pleasant driving experience means that the pool of Smart drivers may remain small.

But high production volume may allow Nissan to provide more amenities--power windows, stereo, air conditioning--in new $10K cars, echoing on a smaller scale Ford's approach to its well received 2011 Ford Fiesta subcompact, its own smallest car in years.

[jwight]

Considering the $/Yen exchange rate that's amazing.

[rfernatt]

If they build them in Mexico, though, the exchange rate shouldn't be a big deal, right?

[jwight]

I guess - now it's a $/Yen/Peso equation; too complicated for me.

[TMACK]

Hmmm.
Price is right, but I did not see any gas milage estimates.
Nor did I see evidence of any *crash cage*.

[BigWarpGuy]

I like this design.