May 2009.
Shizhuang City, Beihe Province.
A special model was on sale at a Shuanghuan Automobile dealership.
The Shuanghuan Automobile dealership was unusually lively today. A whole row of flower baskets stood outside, and in the middle of the red carpet was a car with Mini-like styling, occupying the prime spot.
After a lively burst of drums and gongs, the salespeople approached the groups of elderly people who had come to watch, either on a whim or after being drawn in by the dealership's earlier advertising.
"The Little Noble Mini low-speed electric car is yours for just 31,999 yuan!"
"No gas, no driver's license, and a very low price."
"Ma'am, sir, would you like to come in and take a look at our Shuanghuan Little Noble low-speed electric car? It's especially suited to older folks like you!"
"This low-speed electric car has the exterior and materials of a car, and it uses Shuanghuan Little Noble technology.
"The Shuanghuan Little Noble has quite a history behind it. It has a lot in common with Mercedes-Benz's Smart!"
"It's cute and compact, easy to drive and park. Even people who've never driven before can get the hang of it easily!"
"It's nearly 10,000 yuan cheaper than the fuel-powered Little Noble of the same model in our dealership. Apart from replacing the engine and transmission with an electric motor and controller, all the other parts use exactly the same materials."
"Don't pass by without taking a look!"
In the days before the car went on sale, the salespeople had gone to places around the city where elderly people gathered to promote it.
So when the car officially went on sale, there was already a sizeable crowd looking it over. Most were elderly people with gray hair but plenty of energy.
With the salespeople's enthusiastic