Car companies have tried to appeal to young drivers with navigational systems, sound systems that sync with the driver’s iPod, and hands-free calling and texting. Toyota is trying a new tactic, though, by making their cars smaller than ever.
How small are these new Toyotas? Imagine parking in your kitchen.
Toyota’s new single-seater Coms are limited as far as space and weight. They can only fit a driver and 2 bags under a combined weight of 308 pounds, and the car’s top speed is 37.5 miles per hour. Still, this car could revive young drivers’ interest in car ownership.
In their review of the Coms, Forbes was more skeptical of the car’s appeal saying it “looks like it fell off a carnival ride.” Writer Michael Kanellos also makes a baffling observation that these cars are meant to “capitalize on the diminished expectations of global slackerdom.” This is such a cop-out answer to an industry-wide problem. Instead of blaming young people for not buying traditional cars and labeling them as slackers, maybe Kanellos should understand why cars like the Coms are so appealing to young drivers.
First off, more people are living in cities, and big cities can be costly for car owners. They have to pay for a parking space or a permit, and if they don’t get a designated spot, they have to spend lots of time searching for a spot. Also, many young people are still paying off student loans and working entry-level jobs, and they can’t justify the cost of a car plus insurance and parking fees. At this point, young people living in big cities would rather take public transit and rent a car only when they have to.
Imagine for a moment, though, how the industry would change with more cars like the Coms. The price ranges from $8,922 to $10,000, and they wouldn’t have to worry about paying $100 a month to park their car. Instead, they could drive it right into their apartment. It wouldn’t be able to handle a trip out of town, but they could take it down to the grocery store or out shopping. Young drivers would love it and would probably buy it. Kanellos thinks that driving is about feeling the “breeze blow back your hair,” and he believes that new drivers are a product of “global slackerdom.” I think these new drivers are money conscious and are waiting for a car to meet their needs, and the Coms could do just that.
The Coms are not for sale in the United States yet, but if they are successful in Japan, I could see them popping up in New York very soon. If you are looking for a car or your current car isn’t fitting your needs, Approved Loan Store can help! We want to help you get into the car you want at terms you can afford. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get the latest news and buying tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!