I think these micro-cars will be no more than a novelty. They are just not practical overall. Even $11000 is too much to spend for a practical thinking individual who works for a living. Rich people can afford to buy such "toys", but they don't have to. There might be some environmentalists who would buy one, but not enough to create a mini-car culture. That is why the cost is $15,995; not enough volume to cover costs and make a profit. If the public bought them like hotcakes, the price might come down, but right now, it's probably just a break even proposition.

"Would you pay more for less?"

I would not have thought so until I bought my first 12 oz. pound of bacon a couple of years back