Recently, Alex Popple over at MSN Auto recently pondered the current state of the American economy and how consumers have been downsizing to much smaller automobiles, based on the need for more fuel efficient vehicles.  He cites some little concept cruisers which made an appearance at the Paris Motor Show and wondered just how many may find their way to the streets of the U.S.A. one day soon.

Popple notes that since automobile sales in the States fell to 27% last month, resulting in a 15 year low, and the European auto makers expect their sales to take a dip as well, things may get worse before they get better – especially since August car sales in Europe were at their lowest since 1966.

In the States, Popple notes that new car purchases have been for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles and sales for the Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris and Ford Focus have increased considerably over the last few months.

Although many vehicles at the Paris Motor Show were concept cars, motorists may eventually be able to view a few on the showroom floor in the not-so-distant future.  Popple presents a few of these cool concepts in his article, which in actuality, may have the capability to make the transition from concept car to reality remix - and which we could find available for the asking within the next few years. 

Among his finds:

The new Ford Fiesta, which has found new life has a major player in Europe, the Ford Ka, the BMW X1, the MINI Crossover, the Toyota iQ – a micro car so small you may have to choose between transporting luggage or people – the Toyota Urban Cruiser and the Nissan NuVu, which features electrical propulsion technology, a 75 mile range and 75 mph top speed.

What are the chances that some of the concept cars of today may end up in the local showrooms of tomorrow?   While some concept cars are so far advanced that we may never see them cruising down Main Street - or at least see them ramblin’ on the roads anytime within the foreseeable future - some as Popple suggests,  need only minor modifications before consumers could find themselves standing in line to snap them up as soon as they roll off the assembly line.

Tags: Car Shopping, General //