2006 Big Year for Small Cars in USA

Washington DC September 27, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that sales in the small car segment this year will near 2.5 million, the highest total since 2001, reports USA Today.

The segment has enjoyed a huge sales boost this year amid high gasoline prices, added safety features, and more vehicle choices.

Small cars will account for 31.5 percent of the total passenger car market, up one percentage point from last year. Market research firm AutoPacific predicts that the market share of small cars will continue to climb through 2010.

"Small cars and CUVs are going to rule," says George Pipas, market analyst for Ford Motor. That's bittersweet news for Detroit, he adds, because 72 percent of small cars sold are international brands.