The Nissan Motor Company of Japan has threatened to transfer production of a new subcompact from its plant in northeastern England.

The executives said yesterday that the company's strategy included introducing a new subcompact, some details of which will be announced in coming weeks.

The team is already beginning work on a new subcompact.

The new subcompact, the Echo, starts at just $9,995, the first Toyota in five years to be priced for less than $10,000 in the United States.

Many of the newest subcompacts, models that have become hot sellers as consumers seek better fuel economy, earned commendable ratings in crash tests.

Mr. Lutz confirmed earlier comments that any new subcompact would be introduced in the 1993 model year or later.

Orion township and the State of Michigan offered competitive tax breaks to keep the plant open and to build the new subcompact.

As part of BMW's effort to overhaul its product lineup, it is introducing a new subcompact, the 1 Series.

The Chevrolet Chevette was GM's new entry-level subcompact introduced as a 1976 model.

Set aside any lingering pint-size prejudices - these new subcompacts are not stripped-down penalty boxes like the economy cars of yesteryear.