Word: subcompact
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...intermediates, then its 1979 compacts. The smallest cars will have front-wheel drive to eliminate the transmission-train "hump" that decreases back-seat leg room. Next spring Ford will trot out a pint-size Lincoln called the Versailles and in another year will be bringing over its subcompact Fiestas from Europe (TIME, July 12). In 1979 both Ford and Chrysler are expected to introduce new full-size models no larger than their 1977 intermediates. American Motors has a subcompact even smaller than the Gremlin on the boards, probably...
Despite the poor showing of the subcompacts, Detroit must steadily trim car size and weight if it is to meet a congressionally imposed gas economy standard of 27.5 miles per gallon by 1985 (v. an average of 17.6 m.p.g. for the 1976s). GM plans to introduce smaller, more fuel-efficient versions of its heavy standard-sized models this fall. Chrysler is currently offering a Japanese-made sub-compact called the Plymouth Arrow and intends to produce its own domestically built subcompact next year. Whether or not American motorists can ever learn to love them, smaller cars appear to be firmly...
American Motors is planning production of a station wagon version of its wide, glassy Pacer. It will also have a fresh version of its aging subcompact Gremlin; the new model will use a Volkswagen-designed four-cylinder engine. Indeed, car buyers will find an even wider range of models of all sizes in showrooms round the nation next autumn. GM alone will sell no fewer than 40 models with four different kinds of engines. Whatever kind of car the public may want, Detroit hopes to have it ready, thus coping with buyers who think small one moment and bigger...
...instant success; it was followed by Volare and Aspen, both aimed at small families. These cars now account for about half of Chrysler's sales, which were up 20% from a year earlier through the first 20 days of February. Next year the company will enter the subcompact field with a front-wheel-drive auto modeled after Chrysler France's highly praised Simca 1307/1308. The company has agreed to buy from Volkswagen up to 300,000 four-cylinder engines and 120,000 front axles for its new subcompact, thus saving $100 million in tooling costs...
...recovery. In mid-October, traditionally a flat car-buying period, sales for the Big Four were up 37% over the same period a year ago. American Motors, its Pacer "wide bodied" small car a runaway bestseller, led the way with a 53.5% increase. General Motors followed, with its new subcompact Chevette off to a fast start, with a jump of 43%. Chrysler's sales soared 33% and Ford...