Popularity of Small Cars Booming in US, Say Chevrolet and Ford

Small cars have never had extended popularity in the US, outside of a brief point during the Oil Embargo in the 70s, but it appears that is changing. ChevroletChevroletUnited States of America, 1911 > present82 models
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reports sales of its compact cars - the CruzeChevrolet Cruze Gen.2United States of America, 2008 > present67 versions
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, SparkChevrolet SparkUnited States of America, 2009 > present28 versions
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and SonicChevrolet SonicUnited States of America, 2011 > present37 versions
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- are up 229% in the second quarter over Q2 of 2010. The B-segment is the fastest growing non-luxury vehicle segment in the US

FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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is having similar success with the FiestaFord Fiesta Gen.6United States of America, 2008 > 2017204 versions
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as the bestselling car among Millennials in the US in the first half of the year. They believe that offering more advanced technology and better fuel economy and an affordable package is the key to the small car market in the US.  

Young people are the biggest buyers of small cars for Chevrolet. Twenty-five percent of buyers for the Sonic and Spark are under 25. 

Ford claims that 46% of Fiesta buyers are in their 20s and believes that it is on track to be the number one brand among young people. 

Small cars do not have to be cars that people do not want to drive. The Spark and Sonic come with Chevy's MyLink infotainment system, which uses smartphones to add apps to the car. Ford offers the Fiesta and FocusFord Ford Focus (UK) Gen.3United Kingdom, 2011 > present207 versions
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with is SYNC infotainment, which has similar functions at MyLink.

“We are adding the EcoBoost engine and MyFord Touch to the new Fiesta because we have younger buyers switching to us for unique features such as SYNC that cannot be found on other small cars,” said Ford Marketing Manager Amy Marentic.

Fuel economy is also a major factor in these cars' popularity. Chevrolet will launch the Cruze diesel later this year, and Ford will begin selling the Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost in the US in 2014. 

“Nearly four in 10 millennial buyers are purchasing within the compact car segment. As a brand, we recognize the importance of partnering with next-gen buyers and engaging with them before, during and after purchase," said Dora Nowicki, Chevrolet Sonic marketing director.