LOS ANGELES, June 25 (UPI) -- In an effort to save money and boost fuel economy, many cars in the United States are no longer being sold with a spare tire.
More than a million cars were sold in the United States last month, and about 13 percent did not include a spare tire as standard equipment, a Los Angeles Times review published Saturday found. A few years ago, nearly all vehicles sold included a spare tire.
The no-spare trend cuts the weight of vehicles down a bit, raises gas mileage and saves automakers some money.
The Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet's Cruze and Malibu no longer include a spare and will be joined by the 2012 Buick Regal and Kia Optima.
Instead of including spare tires, some manufacturers are equipping cars with run-flat tires, while others are putting flat repair kits in the trunks.
However, many car buyers are unhappy with the trend, the review says.
"I like the security of having a spare. It gives you peace of mind," said Mary Beth Wasmer of Baltimore, who bought a BMW without a spare three months ago.
