[Kooper]

Old piece here, but I think we will be seeing the happen shortly...

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1089785_ford-ecosport-subcompact-crossover-coming-to-u-s-ceo-says

Mulally suggests that over time, "you’ll see even smaller cars in the United States,” hinting that one day cars like the EcoSport would be available to U.S. customers. “I think, in time, it’ll be here,” he said.

The EcoSport is already a global car, developed as part of Ford's "One Ford" strategy that's also seen the Fiesta, Focus and Fusion sold in several markets worldwide.

Its successful in Europe and Asia, no reason why it cant appeal to US consumers as well, except for the external spare, I'm sure that will be solved with a patch kit and some good luck

 

[TrainTrax]

Why do you think this is happening soon? And how soon are we talking?

 

[chevyfan]

that's what i always thought, that it was just a matter of time. just looking at what's happening to the industry now you can see models like the eco sport being brought over to north america.

 

[TrainTrax]

I mean the whole CUV thing has already caught on in the US. Bringing Euro models over to the US seems overdue at this point. Companies are playing catch up with that.

 

[James]

Companies are playing catch up and there is still room for more models from other car makers.

 

[TrainTrax]

There is room but they are quickly filling it up. I think there are plenty of new CUVs coming out in the next little while. The segment will be saturated in no time.

I'm thinking of the EcoSport, HRV, NX, GLA...

 

[James]

There is room but they are quickly filling it up. I think there are plenty of new CUVs coming out in the next little while. The segment will be saturated in no time.

I'm thinking of the EcoSport, HRV, NX, GLA...

that's quite a wide range of vehicles to choose from.
if you have the money for an NX or GLA... why go for an HRV or EcoSport?

 

[chevyfan]

I mean the whole CUV thing has already caught on in the US. Bringing Euro models over to the US seems overdue at this point. Companies are playing catch up with that.

mercedes should have brought over the a-class, that's something i'd like to see here.

 

[TrainTrax]

that's quite a wide range of vehicles to choose from.
if you have the money for an NX or GLA... why go for an HRV or EcoSport?

I was just trying to point out all of the new comers to the market. I thought about the NX and the GLA, but then I figured I was just paying extra for the badge. I'd rather get something that I can put more options into for a lesser price.

 

[chevyfan]

At best there's a $20k difference in the price of the trax and the gla. Yeah they are new comers but they're completely irrelevant here, no one here is considering them.

 

[TrainTrax]

At best there's a $20k difference in the price of the trax and the gla. Yeah they are new comers but they're completely irrelevant here, no one here is considering them.

Don't speak for everyone. You don't know what other people are considering. There may be lurkers too.

Besides what I was saying about the segment becoming more popular is still relevant to the introduction of those more upmarket vehicles.

 

[chevyfan]

Don't speak for everyone. You don't know what other people are considering. There may be lurkers too.

Besides what I was saying about the segment becoming more popular is still relevant to the introduction of those more upmarket vehicles.

I don't know why anyone who can afford a luxurious GLA, NX, and the like, within the $40k range would buy a just under $20k economy car instead, and there's no way that's going to work the other way around.

I get it, compacts segments are growing, but that's just way too broad to go. Keep it practical. This thread was originally about the Ecosport, a car likely to be no more than just under $20k to start, like the Trax, stick within that range

 

[James]

yeah i don't see many people doing that
it will be the odd one

 

[TrainTrax]

I'm just saying that there are so many cars being introduced into this segment. Whether its upmarket or entry level.

Another one that is on the more affordable side is the Honda HR-V. The CR-V sells really well so if the HR-V is similar then it could be really successful.

 

[James]

I have heard about this new vehicle from Honda.
Looks like it could do very well. I know the CR-V sells well enough and has a long standing history with the brand.

 

[TrainTrax]

Its a pretty easy decision for Honda. The CR-V is a popular model so lets make a smaller version. Sounds like a winning plan to me.

 

[chevyfan]

It sure is, smaller and cheaper, sits right above the Honda Fit's segment, which should prove great for the brand.

 

[TrainTrax]

Do you think that its that simple though? If you take one car and make it a smaller version will it sell, or is there more to it? I think that multiple brands are trying this, but they can't all be successful.

 

[chevyfan]

There's much more to it but the overall idea of what the vehicle needs to do is still their.