It’s one of those days when you’re running late to class. You frantically have been patrolling the aisles for an open parking space. Then finally, you see a gap in between two vehicles. Amen! Maybe you won’t be late after all! Just as you turn the wheel, you slam on the brakes at the sight of a shiny red “Smart Car” snuggled in ever so slightly.
It may be just my luck, but this scenario has seemed to happen to me numerous of times. Each time I curse under my breath at the sight of such a toy car living in a world of monster trucks. I know what they say. It’s, “good for the economy” or it’s helping our society “go green”. Yet, it makes me wonder if our country will ever completely accept this tiny foreign object to our speedy streets.
Over the past twenty years, our technology has been extremely reduced in size. Cell phones and computers are the first things that come to mind. They have become more mobile, along with being more affordable. Yet, our vehicles are getting bigger. Bigger engines, bigger tires, bigger is better in the auto world (with the exception of the Smart Car).
However, it seems like the Smart Car isn’t the only toy car anymore in the neighborhood. His little sister was designed in Spain; her name, “Hiriko”. According to the Green Center, Hiriko is an “electric two-seater with no doors whose motor is located in the wheels and which folds up like a child’s collapsible buggy, or stroller, for easy parking”. Also with this nifty little thing comes the guarantee you can drive 75 miles without recharging. After looking through the pictures, I agree that the vehicle will probably be a helpful asset in a city like Hong Kong. Nevertheless, here in the states, you would get squashed!
So, the question is- Will you see the green light at the end of the tunnel and trade in your Ford pick-up trucks, SUVs, and Hummers for a Smart Car or Hiriko? Until they start making these new “Smart Cars” bigger and safer. I do not see myself being comfortable driving in one. As much as I would like to participate in saving our planet, I also would like to live to see our planet. Thank you.
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/fold-up-car-of-the-future-unveiled-for-europe.html