Today cars are designed by hundreds of people working only with computer design tools, but in 1957 Sir Alec Issigonis with a design team of eight set out with pen and paper to design one of the worlds most loveable cars. Instructed by BMC to design an affordable car which could safely seat four adults and that used very little petrol and be economical to build. The Mini was BMC’s answer to the VW Beetle and was just as innovative.

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The Fiat 500 was the name given to two very different and popular cars dating back to 1936. The first Fiat 500 named the Topolino (meaning mouse) was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Three models were produced until 1955 all with minor mechanical and cosmetic changes. Nearly 520000 models of the Topolino were sold. In 1955 the mid size rear wheel drive Fiat 600 was launched by Fiat that would become the design basis for the new Fiat 500,  the 500 Nuova (or new). Often called the bambino it was one of the most popular cars to ever leave Italy and has become an Italian cult icon.

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At its world premiere, Fiat’s new concept car, the Fiat Trepiuno, was a pleasant surprise to public and professionals alike, and proved to be a great success.
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Daihatsu have released an all new Mira Gino in Japan recently that Daihatsu hopes will give them a 30 percent market share of Japan’s minicar market.
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The Audi A2 was first a concept car that was unveiled at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show. intended to be a design study of an aluminium-bodied car under the name of Al2 it was giving the automotive world a glimpse of the shape of things to come with both the A2 and the new A8 sporting an all aluminum body.
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MINI boosts output and cuts weight to offer the world a limited edition super performance model dubbed MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit.
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At this year’s Australian International Motor (14-23 October) smart will be presenting the smart forfour BRABUS, a high performance four-seater that will be joining the Australian line-up early in 2006.
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Darwin, the 8^th World Solar Challenge a smart fortwo diesel, driven by model, TV host and friend of the environment Annalise Braakensiek, has bettered every other hybrid vehicle in Australia in the race for top fuel efficiency honours.  And that’s with the airconditioning on.
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Tokyo, October 5, 2005 – Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. (FHI), a global manufacturer of transportation and aerospace-related products and the maker of Subaru automobiles, today released its plan of their alliance changes.
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Suzuki Motor Corporation will unveil a host of new concept vehicles on their stand at the up and coming 39th Tokyo Motor Show.  The theme of this years show “Small Cars for a Big Future” will see an impressive display of vehicles from Suzuki as the company continues its legacy as a leading expert in the small car market.

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