The People's Car in the Past...

[jpdm]

--I still remember during the administration of President Cory Aquino, she launched the so-called People's car program wherein local assemblers were given incentives to bring in "affordable cars" for the middle class and the masses. Those years were the most exciting years for the country.

--Democracy was restored, business is picking up again and in the auto industry things are getting better. After the almost dead situation of the local assembly of cars in the Philippines, Toyota returned and Honda made its entry.

--the entry of new and cute cars namely: Daihatsu Charade, Honda Civic Hatchback, Kia Pride, Fiat UNo and Mitsubishi Colt made our roads and streets a little bit colorful....

---Do you think, with the high prices of gas, are we going to see a return of these cute vehicles?

[aku]

I think there are a lot of cute little cars available nowadays: Picanto, Jazz, Getz, Yaris/Vios, Alto, etc. What I would really love to see sold here are the kei-cars:

Problem is, puro RHD-only sila ngayon. And chances are they would be kinda expensive if they came here. :down:

Although kung tumuloy yung JPEPA, just maybe... :please:

[OTEP]

The Alto is a no-frills 'people's car'. But it still trumps the original Pride by offering a third brake lamp, seatbelts for all occupants and rear wash/wipe.

I remember the first CD-5's didn't even have front seatbelts!

[recklus]

The Alto is a no-frills 'people's car'. But it still trumps the original Pride by offering a third brake lamp, seatbelts for all occupants and rear wash/wipe.

I remember the first CD-5's didn't even have front seatbelts!

lol, so true. '94 model na nga yung cd5 ko and still no seatbelt, i had to buy them.

[empy]

Suzuki has quite a few small and cheap cars for the Asian market. nagkalat sila sa India.

Chevy also is trying to capture that market with the Aveo. konting incentive lang jan sa mga manufacturers, madali lang buhayin ang people's car program...

[chua_riwap]

Ibalik ang Minica.

[jpdm]

I agree, bring back the suzuki minica ba yun...

although parang ang kapalit yan ay yung norkis privacy, maverick at legacy first...they are alot cheaper compared to the brand new ones...

[donbuggy]

Mitsubishi Minica. Here's the F4 (http://old.etcar.net/mitsubishi/mitubishikei/)



Meron pa bang mga Minica sa probinsiya? There was a time when these were being used as low cost taxis there. Better than tricycles.

The 70's F4 had a live rear axle, which did not help the cramped seating at the back. The 60's Austin Mini had a more advanced design (transverse engine, front wheel drive) which allowed for more interior space.

[dfcsantos]

Mitsubishi Minica. Here's the F4 (http://old.etcar.net/mitsubishi/mitubishikei/)



Meron pa bang mga Minica sa probinsiya? There was a time when these were being used as low cost taxis there. Better than tricycles.

Dito sa Marikina, meron pa akong nakikitang Minica. Iba na ang tail light from Corolla yata.

[jpdm]

--Yup, I saw one in cavite.

--Mga sirs, is a karmann ghia a people's car in germany?

--kasi may nakita ako sa may pasay nakatambak lang sa isang talyer, ok pa body nung nag-usisa ako ala pa lang makina.

--Siguro talo mga bagong people's car tulad ng hyundai getz kung ma fully-restore yung karmann ghia

--I think ang toyota sprinter ba yun people's car nuon 70s...

---ahh... ang beetle pala people's car ng volkswagen a.g.(wait redundant, volkswagen means people's car ata)

[Memphis Raines]

Ibalik ang Minica.

Hahahaha! I remember this "mighty tiny" back in the 80's. Dami nito sa Cebu City, they even made it into their taxi called "P.U's". Sobrang liit and there was a time na I used to hitch a ride from our neighbor to go to school every morning nagigising ako lalo dahil ang ingay ng tunog hahahaha!

[corbon44]

Talk about people's car - anyone remember the sakbayan??? (Hehehe, that would date me...). Favorite service vehicle of PLDT back then.

One project I believe would be promising is Tata Motors' (of India, and yes, of the Tata Serra pick-up fame which was released locally less than a decade back) $3,000 car.

Not a small feat, but consider their credentials - they're one of the biggest companies in South Asia, the official distributor of Ferrari in India, and the rumored top candidate in acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover from the Ford Group (and probably Volvo which is also up for sale...started with Aston Martin which is now in the coffers of Louis Vitton - now that's surprising...aaargh, enough digression!).

[pitbullz]

toyopet..........

[jpdm]

Suzuki supercarry van and daihatsu minivan....