AMERICA'S FICKLE SMALL-CAR MARKET

摘要

If the cash-for-clunkers program proved anything, it's that with the right kind of financial incentive, Americans will buy small, fuel-efficient cars. Armed with rebates of up to $4,500 from the federal government, consumers snapped up such models as the Honda Civic and Ford Focus. They did pretty much the same thing last summer when gasoline prices in the U.S. roared past $4 a gallon.rnAnd what happens when the incentives go away? Small-car sales typically tank. That presents a problem for automakers. Over the next 18 months, more than nine all-new compacts and subcom-pacts will arrive.