[swiftdiesel]

This is indeed bad news as the automotive industry is kind of in a conundrum. If cars like this cute Microlino take over European streets, I think we wouldn’t have missed much - at least, if you aren’t a diesel fan like me.

https://youtu.be/-n-pzXefQW8

[.HEM]

The car companies can do it country specific. For Example : In my experience, Germany has a lot of larger cars than France, where Hatchback is the way to go.

[deehunk]

As per my ex-colleagues in France, 2023 is the projected timeline for closing of turbo business in PV segment.

[evilmessiah]

Originally Posted by swiftdiesel

This is indeed bad news as the automotive industry is kind of in a conundrum. If cars like this cute Microlino take over European streets, I think we wouldn’t have missed much - at least, if you aren’t a diesel fan like me.

Lol- you're right. On another note, this Microlino- it's just like the old BMW Isetta, isn't it? Even the color scheme is similar. I would rather ride my bicycle or take the cab than drive this. Each to his own, though.

Interesting times we live in. Never seen the automotive industry in such a state of flux. While the death knell for small cars saddens me, change is inevitable. Very intrigued to see where the whole thing goes.

[guru_max]

This will be interesting. On the one hand, while the European and American manufacturers may have to stop sales for a time being in India, they will have ready made hybrid and electric models. The likes of Suzuki, Hyundai will still be doing small cars for Asian markets and they will be unchallenged for a few years. If the European and American manufacturers time their electric car launches in India right, they will have a good lead.

[navin]

Originally Posted by GTO

You better be tough if you are an automotive CEO today. The industry is undergoing seismic changes, the likes of which have never been seen before.

Transportation will move from becoming a product to becoming a service. What will remain will be (a) 1 car per family for emergencies or pleasure trips and (b) some enthusiast niches (vintage, drag, muscle, DIY etc).

Going to work, school, and even to the mall will all be a service.

[gauravanekar]

I think it makes sense not to power small cars with bulky euro 6 compliant engines. Engine continues to grow hence cars should grow too. But then are the electric power train any smaller than current engines? No, but atleast they are more efficient and maintenance free. You lose some and gain some I guess. I have a mixed feelings about this news. I can't seem to decide whether I like it or not.

As an enthusiast, I think it's dangerous that more and more people are less passionate about the cars or the tech that goes into it. I do agree with tsk, if cars inevitably has to go electric it should logically be small cars first because that's where the electrics and IC cars have maximum convergence.

All over the worldorld between WW2 and 2010 almost everyone were running similar technology for personal mobility. However things are changing a lot in recent years. I predict North America, Europe and China will largely go electric in the next 10 yrs. As a technology, pure electric tech is good or bad can be debated forever, whereas one can not debate that when large world markets are going the electric way there is no point in us going the other way (like hybrid or fuel cell or IC). We would never be able to attain economies of scale if we go on our own. Whatever little export opportunities we have now will be gone forever of we don't follow the large markets. And the rnd cost will be too much for one country to bear.

As an engineer and auto enthusiast I did not like that the Indian govt is going full electric way since the hydrids are far better solution in my eyes. But looking at the way things are moving worldover I feel the govt's push for full EV's is in the right direction.

I can't imagine how the recharge infrastructure will be able to cope up with demand if every personal car goes the electric way. Do we have space to charge so many cars beside our highways?

[Im_Abhisek]

It seems that the changeover is merely a question of time and this generation will see the end of the IC engines. I feel really sad with the thought that the new generation of kids will not get to feel the roar of an engine - the purr of a motor will never be the same thing.

Originally Posted by gauravanekar

I think it makes sense not to power small cars with bulky euro 6 compliant engines. Engine continues to grow hence cars should grow too. But then are the electric power train any smaller than current engines? No, but atleast they are more efficient and maintenance free. You lose some and gain some I guess. I have a mixed feelings about this news. I can't seem to decide whether I like it or not.

I think it is merely a matter of time when the electric motor replaces the IC engines. I feel sad with the thought that the new generation will not get to hear the roar of an engine, the soft purr of a motor can never be the same.

[srini1785]

I just wanted to know the standard definition of " Small car " before making any comments. How do you define small car in terms of engine capacity or bhp?. Should 1.2L car be still considered small ?. What's the ceiling limit for small cars?.

[VaidhiR]

Originally Posted by srini1785

I just wanted to know the standard definition of " Small car " before making any comments. How do you define small car in terms of engine capacity or bhp?. Should 1.2L car be still considered small ?. What's the ceiling limit for small cars?.

At a generic level, there is no single universal definition for a small car. It is, however, a very skewed dataset involving (and in no particular order)

1. Engine Capacity
2. Unladen Weight
3. Seating Capacity
4. Dimensions of the body
5. Wheel Base
6. Engine power

And in some cases, wheel size.

In Japan, they have a name for it. keijidosha. They have a high stance and small engine room, cue WagonR.

In the west, there is no traditional definition for a small car. Opel Adam is a small car. So is a VW Polo. So is a Smart car.