German Handelsblatt: Automotive industry: The small cars are dying out: Why Renault Twingo, Ford Fiesta and VW Up are disappearing005693

VW Up

Volkswagen no longer builds the popular small car. However, the electric successor will not come until 2025.

(Photo: VW)

Germany’s nurses have a hard time without the very little ones. When it comes to choosing their company car, the choice is shrinking. In the Mini class, as defined by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), in 2012 customers still had a choice of 24 different models.
Within a decade, that number has halved. Manufacturers have discontinued popular small cars such as the Ford Ka or the Opel models Karl and Adam. Of the twelve remaining models, six model series will be phased out in the coming years – without a direct successor.
The remaining cars are either more expensive or bigger. This annoys the Johanniter Unfallhilfe. At present, existing vehicles are used for longer or are “forced” to switch to larger models. During a care tour under great time pressure, this not only causes additional costs, but also stress when looking for a parking space, explains Johanniter Federal Board Member Thomas Mähnert.
Small cars: the proportion of registrations in Germany is falling

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