Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 7, 2008 6:20:01 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Drivers Order Big Extras for Small Cars

Posted Jul 17, 08 2:12 AM CDT in Business 

(Newser) – American drivers are ditching their SUVs for smaller vehicles in droves—but they're cramming in all the extra comforts they can, reports the New York Times. Buyers are spending thousands on bonus features such as heated leather seats and top entertainment systems. The trend gives a rare glimmer of hope to Detroit, which has always struggled to make money from small cars.

Buyers downsizing to avoid paying $100 every time they fill up are increasingly concerned with fuel efficiency rather than sticker price. Auto dealerships—some of which used to give away inexpensive small cars to pickup buyers—have dropped discounts and filled their lots with upgraded vehicles. With multiple options added, the Mini Cooper's $18,050 price tag can jump to well over $40,000.

Source New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
The top is down in an effort to entice customers on a 2007 Mini Cooper S convertible at a Mini dealership in the south Denver suburb of Littleton, Colo., on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
2007 Cooper convertibles sit at a Mini dealership in south Denver suburb of Littleton, Colo., on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
$4 gas has led to a surge in demand for small cars like the Toyota Yaris.   (KRT Photos)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 3)

Tags

auto industry  • fuel efficiency  • car dealers  • Mini Cooper  • small cars  • Toyota Yaris


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Business Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »