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Small Cars Gain But Big Cars Remain

The New York Times, Tuesday, May 29, 2007 10:30 AM

Consumers are trying to beat soaring gas prices by buying small cars, but at the same time, they're holding on to their fuel-guzzling SUVs and pickups. In households that own a small car, the family fleet is close to an average of three vehicles, according to CNW Marketing Research, which tracks industry trends.

The latest crop of small cars--including the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa--can be purchased with many of the same sought-after options as their bigger kin, like navigation screens or iPod connections. In 1990, more than 75% of buyers opted for basic no-frills models, sometimes even forgoing a radio. Now, 90% are buying fully loaded small cars, according to the data.

"Small cars are like a fashion statement," says Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing.

Read the whole story at The New York Times »

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