Recently, it was revealed that BMW might soon enter the microcar market with a new/old brand, Isetta. No mention has been made of what might power one of these retro micro-machines, but we'd of course hope for at least a hybrid option if not a complete electric. If your tastes lean more towards the older models, perhaps you'd be more interested in a Harrington BB, which is a replica of the old Isetta minus the engine. Hub motors in each wheel allow for four-wheel-drive, while lead acid batteries currently hold the charge. Unfortunately, these lead acid batteries are most likely holding down the performance potential of the vehicle. As it is currently configured, the BB can only reach a top speed of 30 miles per hour. An eight hour charge is required to allow for a maximum range of 60 miles.

According to the official website, though, the Harrington BB is still in its infancy, and there are plans to upgrade both the batteries and in-wheel motors, which should help out on the speed and range issues. Once they get all of the details worked out, they plan to offer both complete vehicles and kits of the electric microcar. With operations based in Saigan, Vietnam, we are not sure whether Harrington plans on selling cars or kits in the U.S., but we've sent off a request for more information as it becomes available. Thanks for the tip, James!

[Source: Group Harrington via Retro Thing]

People are already comparing the new Smart with old microcars like the Iso (and BMW) Isetta, so it makes sense that BMW would consider producing a challenger using the old, but not forgotten, marque. Reports indicate that this is a distinct possibility. In an ironic twist, BMW may consider producing the microcar to offset their large luxury-performance cars to comply with upcoming European CO₂ regulations. Back when the Isetta was initially launched, the profits from that model are what allowed BMW to branch into the large car market in the first place. How the times have changed!

Although the Smart is a thoroughly modern version of the microcar concept, the Isetta would draw a more retro profile. Hey, it's worked for BMW before - their Mini brand sets a fine pattern but is a tough act to follow. BMW has a great deal of experience making small and reliable motors for their line of motorcycles, so creating a suitable powerplant might not be a problem. Diesel engines would be a near lock for the European market, but no hybrid is planned for the States. Instead, a small turbocharged gasoline engine would likely be on the menu. If these reports prove accurate, retro and modern will go head-to-head once again in the microcar market, leading to more choices for the consumer.

[Source: Auto Express]

As a step-up from scooters and motorcycles, microcars were a common sight in Europe shortly after World War II because many inhabitants were not able to afford larger cars and many manufacturers could not afford the research and development costs of large passenger cars. The Iso Isetta is one such microcar, originally coming from Italy. The car was also picked up by BMW and was one reason the struggling German carmaker was able to maintain a little bit of profitability. The Detroit News thinks that the Smart is a bit like those old "bubble cars", as they were known way back when. Similarities include the distinct styling, small size, small engine, two passenger arrangement and even the sliding canvas roof option. What may be more important, though, are the differences. While the old Isetta was known in Germany as a "coffin on wheels", the Smart was designed with safety in mind. Also, although a small engine is used, highway speeds are attainable in the modern microcar. Like the Isetta, the Smart gets pretty good gas mileage.

Like the old Isetta, the Smart has a "buzz" surrounding it, as mentioned in our source article. I imagine that the world will look back on the Smart in a similar way as they do now with the Isetta. The question now is whether or not the small "microcar" idea will stick here in America. The success, or lack of it, of the Smart will go a long way towards answering that question.

[Source: Detroit News]

If the thought of riding around town on a scooter scares you, or if you just could not imagine not having a roof over your head, perhaps you could use a microcar like one of these. Cars like these used to be rather common sights on the roads in Europe. In fact, we showed you a gallery some time ago which highlighted some of the very small cars that can be seen in Italy.

We would not really suggest driving across the country in a microcar, but for city driving and just running day-to-day errands, is there really a reason a vehicle like this would not work? Even if you are thinking no, remember that people have been using this kind of transportation for years, especially in Europe. The fact is that we are just used to driving two-tons of steel everywhere that we go, but it really is not necessary for a good portion of our needs. Commuting back and forth to work would likely be quite economical in a microcar with an engine less than 1 liter. How would it work for you?

[Source: Treehugger]

Once again, it bears repeating that the Smart FourTwo is not even close to being the first of its kind. Itsy-bitsy cars have been around since the car was invented, and here is further proof of that. What you are looking at is a Goggomobil Shopper. According to Winding Road, the car was "developed by Hans Glas in the Bavarian town of Dingolfling". Although this model of Goggomobil is quite boxy, check out some of their other cars. They had a mini pickup, an awesome convertible and a van too. According to the auction listing, parts are pretty easy to find, and this example seems to be in pretty darn good shape. Go Go Gadget Shopper!

I don't imagine that you'll be heading out on the highway with the 300cc engine and four-speed manual with floor shifter, but for a city car, this design might prove adequate. Rust might not be too much of a worry with the plasticized sheetmetal body. Pretty cool stuff from back in the sixties. What goes around, comes around!

[Source: eBay via Winding Road]

Micro cars are the hot new(ish) segment across the pond right now, and any mass-market car company that isn't in on the business should be. Recall that Chrysler is having talks with Chinese automaker Chery to collaborate on a new car for said segment, focusing on the Hornet concept as a particular possibility (wouldn't that be nice?). However, especially considering the sale of Chrysler to Cerberus, an alliance is now not looking like a very good idea, says James B. Treece, the Asia Editor of Automotive News.

Treece says that reasons for this include Chery potentially taking all kinds of resources from Chrysler (such as capital invested in new projects and dealer resources, advisers on assembly methods, safety regulations and quality standards, and of course, time), then turning around and screwing Chrysler by becoming a competitor. Neither Chrysler nor the other domestic automakers needs another competitor.

Chery is likely to make higher demands on a partnership anyway as part of their haggling negotiations now that Chrysler has changed hands. It would be best at this point to just cut ties and let the Chinese automaker figure out the U.S. market on their own. Read the Automotive News article (subscription required) by clicking the 'Read' link.

[Source: Automotive News]

Have you been wondering what all has been changed on the Smart Fourtwo from the first generation to the second? Have you wanted to see the two vehicles side-by-side to judge those changes yourself? Well then, good news! Here are some photos that I found at The Scooter Scoop which show the car in various angles, interior and exterior. Steve from The Scooter Scoop seems to like the older one a bit better, but I would have to disagree myself. I think that the changes to the car are mostly positive, but I would like to see some other engine options. A diesel option would be numero uno on my own list of "wants". Check here for other stories about the brand.

So, what do you think of the changes? Were they moves in the right direction for the brand? Would the car have been more or less successful here in the States without being changed? I know that some of the changes were made to make it easier for the vehicle to comply with U.S. safety standards and consumer requirements. What other changes would you like to see?

[Source: The Scooter Scoop]

I'm pretty sure that the majority of us would like to cruise in style. Whether that style gives off the image that we love high-performance, high utility or high economy, whatever we choose to ride or drive says something about us. A Camry tells other people that you value reliability and resale value, while a Corvette tells people that you like to be seen, and be seen going fast. What does a scooter say? That depends on who you ask, as some people, mostly men, wouldn't want to be seen dead on one. Or, others may think of the "Mod" craze from long ago. Whatever others think, you can rest assured that it is costing you less to get where you are going than them!

If you are interested in the history of how scooters and microcars got to where they are now, check out this new book. Did you think that the Smart car was the first of its kind? Not even close! That trail was blazed years ago by BMW, Fiat, Mini, Messerschmitt and many more. I have not yet read it, but I will. Maybe you should too!

[Source: Veloce Publishing]

Peugeot 107 near Ann Arbor, click for high-res gallery

For the past six months, I've been seeing several Peugeot 107s on the road in the area near my office and home. At first I speculated that maybe Peugeot might be plotting a return to the US market at the entry level. Given the low value of the US dollar of the against the Euro right now and for the foreseeable future, it doesn't seem like it would make a lot of sense for PSA (Peugeot's parent company) to return with a car like the 107 that would have slim margins at best.

It turns out that I missed a couple of stories relating to the 107 over the past year. I knew that the 107 had a Citroen-badged twin dubbed the C1. However, the C1/107 are built in a plant in the Czech Republic in a joint venture between PSA and Toyota. Toyota sells a variant with slightly different styling in Europe as the Aygo. Last September it was reported that Toyota was developing a Smart competitor named the Aygo, for possible US introduction by 2008.

Toyota has a US Technical Center on the eastern edge of Ann Arbor about two miles from where I see the 107s on an almost daily basis now, heading in the direction of the Tech Center. Is it possible that Toyota is using the Peugeot 107 variant for testing here to throw people off the track without having to resort to lots of camo? Is this the new entry level Toyota below the Yaris? Only time and Toyota will tell. In the meantime, the current Aygo is available with a 1.0L gas three cylinder good for 50hp, or a 1.4L 54hp diesel four cylinder. The diesel is rated at 4.1L/100km (57.4mpg).

Related

• Peugeot coming back to US market at the low end?
• Update on the Peugeot 107 in North America
• Spy Photos: Peugeot 107 in Michigan redux