I'd like to introduce a new regular feature in TWIT titled "Whater happened to . . . ?" We'll take a look at a person, place, thing, idea, or fad that was once popular or trendy, but has since faded out.
Today, let's find out whatever happened to the Yugo.
I'm sure we all remember the Yugo - the boxy little Yugoslovian-built car that you could buy for under $4,000. The Yugo was imported to the U.S. in 1985, and it sold for the unheard of price of only $3,990. Unfortunately, the low price didn't help sales; it was discontinued on our side of the pond just seven years later. The Yugo contained a Fiat engine, and got awesome gas mileage, but you always heard stories about them breaking down frequently. They quickly became an icon for all things cheap.
Auto critics laughed at the Yugo, and branded it more of a toy than a car. They also pointed out a series of flaws, and as it happens many of the flaws were valid. Many owners complained of mechanical problems including premature engine failure, bad brakes, poor shifter and transmission, and faulty electrical systems, and terrible dealer service. The insurance industry faulted the cars crash worthiness, which didn't help matters.
In early 1989, Yugo went bankrupt. Ten years later, the factory where the Yugos were built was destroyed during NATO airstrikes. The factory has been rebuilt, and today they manufacture the new Yugo ZMW. But due there are exportation problems, so the cars can't be exported to the USA. Yugoslavia can't export products and import to and from USA and countries, which are member of EU.
The Yugo was the subject for a lot of jokes in the late 80's. Here's my favorite:
Why does the Yugo have a heated rear window?
To keep your hands warm while you're pushing it.
1 comment:
I actually knew someone who drove a Yugo. She had it for a long time and loved it. It was ugly as hell.
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