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The VAM Lerma is an automobile that was designed and manufactured by Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos from 1981 to 1983. The Lerma shared parts with other vehicles by VAM's license partner American Motors (AMC) to cut down manufacturing costs. It was VAM's top-of-the-line flagship model, which the company did not have since the discontinuation of the Classic (Matador) line in 1976. The VAM Lerma was unusual in offering a hatchback design focused at the top end luxury market. ==History== The name for the cars was taken from Lerma, a city in the state of Mexico, where VAM engines were manufactured.〔(José Luis Alarcón Vela. "Érase una vez un auto mexicano..." (Once upon a time a car Mexican ...) El Universal, Mexico. September 11, 2004 ), retrieved on August 3, 2008.〕 The made in Mexico Lerma was a unique hybrid since it used a chassis and some body panels from a sedan similar to the AMC Concord, but the rear of the car featured a hatchback design. Although the Lerma was a single unit body design (monocoque), a British newspaper article described it as "a bolt-together kit of a car". There were two body styles available, a 3-door hatchback and a 5-door hatchback (a body style not available for any of AMC's models at that time). The designs were presented to AMC's management as a potential model, but it would have less cargo capacity than the Concord wagon. Considered for other international markets, the Lerma was marketed only in Mexico starting in 1981, and competed in an expanding market segment.〔 The Lerma's most remarkable and striking hatchback design feature also proved to be its biggest drawback, because the shortened rear end resulted in a car with a limited space for storage.〔 Nevertheless, between 1981 and 1983 it was the best selling car in Mexico. Arguably, the VAM Lerma was the first successful fully Mexican sedan. Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos is remembered as the first Mexican automotive company that created a car that is regarded by many as totally national.〔 With the exception of the instrument panel, the interior of the Lerma did not share parts with other models and featured uniquely designed and upholstered seats as well as interior door panels.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「VAM Lerma」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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