Details emerge on Next Autoworks' 2012 compact car
Autoblog
November 27, 2010
by Jonathon Ramsey


Next Autoworks, nee V-Vehicles, recently hired CEO Kathleen Ligocki to shepherd its planned 2012 car through to production. The design of the car itself was overseen by Tom Matano, who penned the original Mazda Miata and the 1993 RX-7. Matano recently shared some of the compact car's details with Automotive News, which describes it as a "utilitarian five-door hatchback... a cross between a Nissan Leaf and a Lada Niva."

The car's build sounds just as intriguing: a spaceframe with non-load-bearing body panels attached. Countering a build process that is pricey by segment standards, costs are kept down by interchangeable door panels and taillight assemblies. Matano suggested he was after "an advanced concept car that would look like something by Ikea." It all sounds like it could go quite right or very wrong, but before it can build anything, Next Autoworks needs to have its request for funds from the Department of Energy approved.

^ I hadn't heard of either Next Autoworks or V-Vehicles (adds to list)
it's definitely got my attention now

from Automotive News – sub. req. - that loaded for me anyway:
-- "Not that Matano stopped there. He is more proud of the swoopy 1993 RX-7 sports car. Add that to his contributions to BMW's E36 3 series of the 1990s and the waterfall grille of the 1976 Olds Cutlass, and he walked away with a timeless body of work."
-- "If Matano has an affectation of late, it's walking around with a spray bottle labeled "design cleaner" and misting the air anytime he sees an overstyled piece or a frivolous cue. After all, the Miata is a masterpiece of simplicity -- no line wasted, yet every curve gorgeously rendered."
&
from a googled Insideline article:
-- "...rechristened Next Autoworks and reorganized, with former Ford executive Kathleen Ligocki appointed chief executive officer."

Ford Figo being a nice small car, better in looks, design and consistent in performance has been a great small family car. Lots of extra features makes it a different car in its lineup.