Why doesn't Ontario produce its own, new type of automobile?

Question

With fuel prices endlessly climbing, and considering that, most of the time, there is only one occupant in a car, anyway, why doesn't the moribund Ontario auto industry, together with Government, spend the many billions needed to start a new line of car that would feature a smaller than usual 2-seater(that would sip fuel, or electrons). Jobs would return and emissions standards for cars would easily be met. We don't need over a tonne of metal, glass, rubber and plastic to ferry one person a dozen or so clicks a day! I like the idea of a 3 wheeled car that is a bit smaller than a trike-motorcycle . Four deep cycle batteries could power the vehicle, and a small propane-burning turbine could trickle charge the batts and heat the cab.

Answer 1

All of this has been there already.

After WWII in Germany they came out with tiny little car 2-door 4-passengers, it was called 'LLoyd Alexander'

It had a 2 cylinder 15 HP engine, 3 speed trans.

This thing ran like crazy, the gas tank took only 10 Liters then it was full.

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Later I had a Mercedes 190 DC, pretty much a full size luxury 4-door car with tail fins.

It had a 4-cylinder Diesel engine, 4-speed trans.

Believe it or not, it made 62.5 miles to the gallon of Diesel.

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All of that what once existed could be built again, I can't see why not.

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Answer 2

Cost.  It requires many millions of dollars worth of engineering to develop a car design, and millions more to get it into production.  Turbine engines are unsuitable for cars; they use too much fuel and are far too expensive.  (Turbine engines are suitable for airplanes because they can run at steady power for hours on end, and the high bypass ratio gives a good "impedance match" for aircraft propulsion.)

Answer 3

That's a great idea, the only thing i can think of that's stopping them is cost. Also i'm not sure if people would buy a car that looks like a big tricycle but I sure would. Are you saying it would be kind of like the smart car? that's kind of sweet.