Trends in cars available on the European market are analysed with respect to range changes, evolution within ranges, and evolution of the whole sets of car models made by manufacturers. A table analyses the evolution of medium cars sold in seven European countries from 1980 to 1990. Engine capacity and actual power steadily increased, and average fuel consumption per unit distance decreased until 1985 but not beyond that date. Conditions allowing significant reduction of fuel consumption could be reached, without developing new technologies, by: (1) reducing the mass of each range of vehicles by 100-200 kg; (2) installing smaller and less powerful engines; and (3) limiting theoretical maximum speed to 160 kph. Risk per km travelled is analysed as a function of vehicle mass, power per tonne, and driver age (below or above 30). Although heavier vehicles are often considered safer, the best passive safety comes from controlling the deformations and decelerations to which passengers are subjected. Due to progress during the last ten years, it is feasible to develop, without much decrease of comfort or safety, a medium-sized car of mass 750-850 kg, fuel consumption 4.6-5.5 litres per 100 km, and top speed 160 kph, or a `down market' car of mass 450-610 kg, fuel consumption 2.8-3.5 litres per 100 km, and top speed 150 kph.
Samenvatting