Small is the new Big
Concerns such as fuel price hike and global warming make the emergence of small cars a big hit. The biggest phenomenon of the small cars hasn’t come out yet but it’s sure to make waves in the market of micro cars – the Nano.
The Nano is a car with the price of a laptop computer and will surely allow a huge percent of commuters to own a four-wheel transportation, creating tremendous mobility for the masses. However, the Nano and other micro cars are foreseeing the consequence. With the expected boom in automobile ownership, there would be greater traffic congestion, higher risk of global warming, and more demand for highway facilities and oil. With the release of the Nano in the market, the rest of the world will soon buy cars the same rate as America alone does – a global traffic jam is sure to take place.
“The Nano will put the Third World on wheels, that will have far-
reaching implications. It’s going to affect every citizen of the
world,” says auto analyst John Wolkonowicz.
Despite the probable repercussions, consumers see the micro cars as a natural evolution. With the hype of mini mobile phones and iPods, they equate small with high tech. The mindset is now “just because it’s small, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be fantastic”.
It’s all about weighing down one’s wants, needs and priorities. If you care for the environment, remain a commuter for the rest of your life. But since you might not get to beat them, might as well join them.