Nissan's New Minicar Draws Strong Demand as U.S. Rules Change

Nissan Motor Co. has received strong early orders for its new, small vehicle. The company sees a major opportunity as the United States eases regulations on a specific class of small cars. The vehicle, called the Nissan Sakura, is a "minicar." This Japanese category includes the smallest highway-legal cars. They are known for excellent fuel efficiency and compact size, ideal for crowded cities. U.S. regulators recently changed import rules for this vehicle class. The new rules allow certain minicars to be sold in America for the first time. Nissan reports that advance orders for the Sakura have exceeded its initial targets. This demand suggests a potential market for ultra-efficient small cars among U.S. drivers. Nissan plans to begin sales in the coming months, testing this new segment. The company's early results indicate a positive consumer response to the newly available option.