Ayano Sasao is defying the conventional wisdom that cars targeted to a niche consumer category like young women are doomed to fail.
The 18-year-old Japanese hospital worker just bought the Nissan Pino, a toylike minicar just 11 feet long with star-stamped upholstery, a hook for a handbag and a chic "milk tea beige" exterior -- although she says she almost went with the pink.
"It's so cute. I just love it," she said.
To make sure women like Sasao get the message, Nissan Motor Co. launched a merchandise line for Pino, including pink bear-shaped cushions, seat covers with hearts, a CD case that looks like fat red lips, and a colorful cover for a tissue box.
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