@W2
allthough it seems hard to believe if you compare it to a vespa - it does make sense! Because 1.the air resistance of this car is a lot better than the air resistance of a vespa and 2. the fuel efficiency of modern diesel engines is by far better then the fuel efficency of gas engines.
Take a look at www.lupo80days.com!
I know, VW never sold this car in the US and they do not sell it any more because it was simply too expensive, but: the lupo weights like 900kg has 61hp - and they were able to make this trip arround the world with only 2.38l/100km (98.7 mpg). (avg. speed 53.19mph)

I hope that I can really buy a loremo 2009.

The Loremo has no side doors because it will need to pass NCAP crash tests despite its low weight. As designed, the chassis features strong beams on either side of the passenger compartment.

Side doors force designers to beef up the monocoque chassis for strength and then again for stiffness. The result, unless you use significant amounts of expensive materials like aluminium or carbon fiber, is substantial weight. Ergo, you need a bigger engine, which is noisier, so you need an even beefier chassis and additional acoustic insulation for the passenger compartment, etc. Ergo, side doors are key contributors to the upward weight spiral, at the expense of fuel consumption.

However, I would be reluctant to get into the front seats of a Loremo in the middle of a heavy downpour. The rear-facing rear seats are safe in a head-on collision and hence good news for kids engrossed in their GameBoys as well as dogs. Older passengers may find that the absence of visual cues about upcoming turns can quickly induce nausea. Cp. the 1958 Zuendapp Janus

http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/zundapp-janus.html

Also, the Loremo features 15-20 secs for 0-100kph, no a/c, no electric windows or other mod cons. IMHO, it will not sell in volume in Western markets unless fuel gets a LOT more expensive. Eastern Europe, China, South-East Asia, Latin America? That might be a different story.

Perhaps off the line acceleration could be assisted with a regenerative breaking flywheel system without too much added expense.

This would add weight, certainly, but probably the efficiency gains and improved acceleration would be worth it.

Actually a possibly better hybrid technology would be the Air Hybrid concept being developed by
http://www.engineer.ucla.edu/stories/2003/hybrid.htm
Only an estimated additional 35 Kg and conversion to a camless turbo diesel engine it would reduce fuel consumption by an estimated 64% city and 12 % highway.
The camless valvetrain design also has the potential to increase the low end torque of the turbo diesel by up to 40% around 1000 rpm.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=105&STORY=/www/story/04-07-2000/0001185156

it's a deisel so hp is lower than a gas engine. that 20hp is more like 50 or more from a gas engine. still, 20 seconds 0-100km is scarey slow, 15 seconds is even kinda scarey getting on a freeway, this thing wouldn't cut it. and that flip top design? nevr make it to production. no one will want to step over something high to get into thier car, too easy to trip. plus, what if it's pooring down rain? you'll flood the thing

I think the answer is all electric. Hybrid technolgies is working on Chrysler Crossfires and pt cruisers with no engine no transmission and no gas tank by usine lithium ion batteries and electric motors. range is 125 to 155 miles on one charge and it will do 90 mpg or better.You can contact them at hybrid technologies.com in mooresville n.c. usa ,production is expected to begin fall of 2006 ultra violet solar cells can be added to the hood and top to get an even better range.

Are there any planned methods of distribution for the Loremo if it makes it to the U.S.? Dealers and such?

Wouldnt it be nice to see a simple plain economical practical car.I dont need a showpiece for the nieghbours to look at.I dont need to break speed limits.I would like to be able take three passengers and still have space for lugage in the car.Is this so much to ask for?

Where is my Loremo? In the meantime, I drive a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid, which is a 4-door sedan that gets the same 42 mpg that I got from my 1983 Civic hatchback. I love my car, but we need progress. I don't want to wait for the 100 mpg '09 Prius, or the phantom Chevy Volt. Where is my simple, reliable, economical, inexpensive, practical 2-seater or 4-seater that gets 100 mpg? Where is my Aptera? Where is my hybrid VW bug? For crying out loud, when can I get my electric car?

Someone mentioned the VW Lupo. I do believe its being advertized on British tv as capable of less than 100g/km. carbon. This will prob. be the 1.2 diesel engine, usual Polo body, which is about as small as you can get for practicality. This should translate to about 65mpg. town, 80mpg. motorway (Imperial gallons)
Any comments on this interesting development VW???

i want to own this car for its unique design also its mpg i live in usa irvine kali and they need to distribute these cars there because i believe that the war has a great twist to its illusions..blood for oil USA needs this model...since thousands have died i declaire peace in 2009 ..automatic is what I need for when I'm using my cell ;p

yeah right i dislike this car i want to destroy the globe inch by inch or cm to cm and drive my amercan gt v8 gas guzzling motor like i guzzle my alcoholic bev.swervin and curvin like a drunk smokin on that skunk listening to funk got an semi ak in my trunk ..oh yeah i like global warming its very cold in united states of satan please don't buy this car join our beliefs of hate

This vehicle will change other producers for its diffrences. its not about speed but for mpg power to loremo all well need in 2009 is great sound system with navigation system all the rest will be history 2cylinder is perfect mpg is the key here ...$_$

yes looking forward to purchasing this vehicle soon near the future this vehicle pays for itself..iv rode motorcycles many time but to convert this into a car brilliant mate bloody hell i want one now ya wankaz i cant wait another year shux

To be honest I have been on the loremo main website (www.loremo.com), and it seems that the top speed on the loremo GT is different to the one specified on this site. Why is this?

this is best for all the poeple that want to save money also help the world.its worst enough thousands of forest trees are cut down rather for oxygen.i would finally like to point that our truck cars SUV pollute spreading toxic fumes.I'm sure all you around the world know this but i know that animals would appreciate some one like me.so i tell you all this peace for nature green team

nothing simple about the entry ...

when is it open to the public

Exporter of Rice Huller, generators,Emery Mill, Grinding Mill, Threshers, Chaff Cutter, Blower type Engine, Belt Fastener, Transmission Belts, Agricultural Engines, Agricultural Spare Parts, farm Equipment from India.
www.agroengine.com

Importing to the US is a huge problem. I bought an imported City-el that was already in CA., and although this vehicle is still being made, no parts or complete vehicles are available that I know of. This is an ideal vehicle for much of transportation needs for an individual driver. Mine was all butchered up making it from a normal 36 volt to a 48 volt with wires, clips, relays, fuses, et-cetera.

The City-el is now available with 36 or 48 volts from the factory. This EV is an excellent way for me to get around. I certainly hope these will be available here someday!

I hope practically any Microcar will appear on US roads much more frequently- Loremo City-el, or whatever is small and efficient!