Global Insight Perspective | |
Significance | VW and Toyota have unveiled different takes on the minicar idea, with the up! and iQ concepts, respectively. |
Implications | As automakers look to increasingly complex solutions to the problem of vehicle emissions, two of the largest automakers in the world have taken a back-to-basics approach will small, lightweight concepts that may hint towards future thinking. |
Outlook | With emissions becoming the foremost issue for automakers, it is likely that vehicles based on these concepts could hit the showrooms within the next five years, if not sooner. The two models could also form the basis of these companies' forays into the low-cost car segment in emerging markets. |
On the first day of the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen (VW) and Toyota, two of the largest automakers in the world, both unveiled minicar concepts. These could well provide a hint as to future rival models that could be offered by the pair.
VW up!
The first of the two to be shown during the day was the VW up! Concept, which was revealed in the presence of the group’s chief executive and apparent “father figure” of the project, Martin Winterkorn. The three-door, four-seat hatchback body styled by Walter de Silva is 3.45 metres long and 1.63 metres wide, with a wheel on each corner stance offering minimal overhangs to give the vehicle greater manoeuvrability. The engine—the details of which have yet to be given by the automaker—is located in the rear, and this, VW says, has "offered entirely new interior concepts", as well as allowing a different styling approach as the vehicle does not require an air inlet grille. Despite the intrusion of the engine into the rear cargo space, the vehicle also offers space at the front for luggage, reminiscent of the original Beetle. Among the features displayed in the concept are an infotainment and climate-control system that utilises proximity sensor technology, and a monitor at the centre of the driver's vision offering key information such as speed, fuel level and a momentary carbon dioxide (CO2) reading, while at the other end of the scale the seats can be ergonomically adjusted simply through the use of air pressure.
Toyota iQ
Later on in the day, Toyota showed off its iQ concept to the world for the first time. The vehicle, unveiled by the executive vice-president of Toyota Europe, Thierry Dombreval, is far shorter than VW's effort, measuring 2.98 metres, but it can seat three adults and either a child or luggage in the remaining space. However, although not mentioned by the automaker, it appears that it has taken a rather more conventional approach by locating the engine at the front to make the most of the available passenger cabin space. The design, created at Toyota's advanced European studio ED², has a stocky appearance thanks to its 1.68-metre width and 1.48-metre height, and angular styling that is reminiscent of a more advanced Aygo. Among the features on display in the concept is a heating and ventilation system that increases the available space in the cabin compared to normal systems, while the navigation system is in a stand-alone heads-up display-type unit that is see-through when turned off.
And Not Forgetting…
Although the models from VW and Toyota were possibly two of the most important to be shown at the motor show, a number of other manufacturers have rolled out A- and B-segment models that will either be in production soon, or which hint at replacement models. These included the Suzuki Splash, which was given its world premiere, a five-door, tall-bodied hatchback that replaces the Wagon R; the next-generation Opel Agila is spun off from this, and it was also on display. General Motors (GM) also gave the new Chevrolet Aveo its first airing at the show; this incorporates a grille that closely allies it to the U.S. side of the brand, despite it having been developed in South Korea. On the concept front, Ford previewed its next-generation Fiesta by revealing the Zest, while Mitsubishi unveiled the Concept CX, a vehicle it called "a new-generation compact SUV". Toyota's minicar arm, Daihatsu, celebrated its 100th year with two A-segment concepts on show: the OFC-1, a 660cc turbocharged sports car similar in style to the existing Copen; and the HFC (said to be an acronym of "Heart & Smile Mover"), which is a more useable, family-orientated vehicle with “suicide doors”.
Outlook and Implications
With automakers looking at increasingly complex methods of emission control and fuel-saving technology, it is refreshing to see two of the largest automakers in the world taking a back-to-basics approach with regards to their latest concept offerings. Both manufacturers have designed vehicles that offer adequate space for many everyday needs, with interior packaging that affords great flexibility in their usage. The size of the vehicles not only offers fuel savings because of their lightweight quality, but also manoeuvrability in an increasingly congested world. Such vehicles are likely to become more appealing to automakers and customers alike, with Global Insight forecasting that demand in Europe alone for A-segment vehicles will rise by over 20% by 2009. It is also likely that should these two concepts make it into production, further body styles will be offered. Prior to the showing of the up!, it had been reported by VW sources that a three-door model could yield a five-door, mini-multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), and convertible variants (see Germany: 10 September 2007: VW Considers Minicar for 2011; Targets 10% Growth in Unit Sales by 2010), and this would no doubt further the attraction of this type of vehicle among potential customers.
With the onset of the European Commission's new CO2 emissions standards, which will limit emissions to an average of 130 grams per kilometre (g/km), and more stringent regulations the world over, it seems more than likely that such models will be on the road within the next five years, if not before. Toyota and VW have also expressed an increasing interest in building low-cost vehicles for developing markets, and in particular India, with the Japanese automaker anticipating that it could have something in production fulfilling this role by 2009 (see India: 22 August 2007: Toyota Could Launch Small Car in India within Two Years, Says Toyota Chairman). It may well be that these concepts could form the basis of such a model, and could give this type of vehicle increased economies of scale that would make it even more viable for production, particularly in a location that offers low-cost labour.