may 16, 1992 - 1992 IDEA Autohersteller Y2 EU-M 1.4T

Description:

One would think that after a very successful launch of the '90 Primis 2.2 GT, IDEA's first ever car, the company would be doing quite alright. However, it was the contrary. Despite the Primis selling really well, the development phase of the car, including a from-scratch engine design, took a long time and was very expensive for a new automaker on the market. IDEA had accumulated some serious debts, making their investors less then happy and needed to straighten out their finances. Fast.

To look on the bright side, the Primis's success really put IDEA on the map, and they had quickly become a reputable brand in Europe following it's release. But they needed to bounce back financially, and had plans on how to do that.

In 1990, same year as the release of the Primis, engine manufacturer Europe Motors Inc. had just released their fist commercially available engine, the "90-EU.M | i4-1402cc T-114HP". It was a cheap but reliable 1.4L inline 4, with a small turbo making around 114 horsepower. By the end of 1990, IDEA made an agreement with Europe Motors to use this engine in a car they were developing, the Y2, slated for release in 1992. They actually managed to squeeze out some extra discount, getting the engines very close to cost, on the condition of heavy branding. The trim was therefore named "EU-M 1.4T" and had large lettering on the back saying "Powered by EU Motors". The car was quite literally an advertisment on four wheels.

The Y2 EU-M 1.4T is a very basic front wheel drive small hatchback and was designed as a budget option for low-income households/individuals. It was launched in fall 1992 at a modest pricepoint of $9.100 and the public loved it. It sold in massed and became a very common sight on the streets of Europe. This car benefitted both companies, IDEA and Europe Motors, greatly. IDEA managed to build up their funds again and Europe Motors got huge traction in Europe following the widespread of the EU Motors badged Y2.

There are still quite a few Y2 on the streets, but in varying condition. The steel used in the chassis and panels was fairly low-grade and was subject to high levels of corrosion through the years, but it didn't hurt their reputation as people didn't expect the Y2 to be a lifetime investment at sub 10k pricepoint.

Price at launch in 1992:
$9.100

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