Auto makers — even some big ones, like Daimler-Chrysler’s (DCX) Mercedes-Benz — have been developing car-motorcycle hybrids and other three-wheeled vehicles for years. But what’s different now is that some of these concepts, such as the Volkswagen GX3 unveiled this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, could actually make it to the marketplace (see BW Online, 1/12/06, “Concept Cars Are Getting Real”). And the GX3, backed by VW’s global distribution capability, would stand a chance to develop a niche market.
Three-wheeled vehicles of one kind or another are quite common in the developing world, and were familiar sights in European countries as recently as 20 years ago. In emerging markets, three-wheel vehicles are basically large mopeds, according to Sam Fiorani, forecast manager of research firm AutomotiveCompass.
The concept of three-wheelers is, in fact, as old as the modern car itself: The first gas-fueled car as we know it today, patented in 1886 by Karl Benz, had only three wheels. The jet-powered Spirit of America three-wheeler recorded a time of 566.27 mph in 1964. Three-wheeled and other small vehicles rose in popularity in Europe when the 1956 Suez crisis made gas prices soar.
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Mon, Feb 27, 2006
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