ABSTRACT
This chapter considers vehicles that are not easily categorized in terms of the known market segments referred to above yet which were produced in sufficient quantities to make them significant. A true Microcar is one designed from the ground up rather than based upon existing products. During most of the twentieth century it was the favoured mode of transport for individual journeys, and the IC engine became the dominant technology. The possession of motor cars became the badge of a developed Westernized economy. Japan is the modern spiritual home of the microcar or Kei Car. Kei car standards were originally introduced to promote the growth of Japanese domestic car industry and to provide affordable transport for small businesses and shops. The Tata Nano is not really a microcar but deserves mention. In terms of concept and engineering it is utterly conventional, yet it claims to be the world's cheapest car.
