So Shi-Tei
From Wikislippy
The So Shi-Tei is a budget compact Korean car manufactured by So Motors, a subsidiary of So International. The Shi-Tei was first manufactured in 1983. Since 1985, the Shi-Tei has been plagued by various problems ranging from electrical to engine problems. Production ended in 1994. In North America, the Shi-Tei is known as the So Car.
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History
In 1979, So Manufacturing wanted to expand into making automobiles. Having no such experience, they sent out an ad in the local newspaper to find a designer. Meanwhile in 1981, they created So Motors. Finally in 1982, the winner was chosen. The So Shi-Tei was the brain child of Korean Won Tai-Lee.
First Generation
The first generation Shi-Tei was produced between 1983 and 1991. The first generation was designed by Won Tai-Lee. The car was originally a two door hatchback. The car was powered by a 56 horsepower inline four known later as the Si4. In 1988 the Si4 gained three horsepower making a total of 59 horsepower. However this version was plagued with various problems and became known as the Si4v2, or more commonly the SV2.
Second Generation
By 1989, sales of the Shi-Tei were falling quickly. So blamed this on the design of the car being too old. So Motors began redesigning their car. The second generation Shi-Tei was produced between 1991 and 1994. However, this did not help sales of the Shi-Tei and they were falling again in 1992. In late 1993, So brought in the option of the original Si4 and a redesigned Si4v2. However, production ended in January 1994.
Third Generation
In 1998, So Manufacturing was purchased by Am-Kor. In 2000, So Motors decided to bring back the Shi-Tei and decided to do it as quick as possible. Again, they went back and placed an ad in the newspaper. The winner this time was a European named Paul James.
The third generation Shi-Tei was produced between 2002 and 2006. The engine was a redesigned Si4 with 68 horsepower known as the SIF. In 2004, So Motors decided to test new features such as power windows and airbags. However, they could not get them to work correctly and the idea was scrapped.
Fourth Generation
The fourth generation Shi-Tei was produced between 2007 and present. The Shi-Tei continued to use the JIF. In 2008, So Motors brought in the option of a redesigned JIF with 60 horsepower for better fuel economy. This version was known as the JIF-G.
In 2009, it was reported that the Shi-Tei will be discontinued at the end of 2009 and will be replaced with a new model. Jayatsu is also changing the name from So Motors to the Jayatsu Motor Company.
GTR
The Shi-Tei GTR was released in 2006 as a 2007 model. The car features a rear spoiler, different rims, and more power. The GTR was only available in GTR Blue and GTR Red. The GTR model was discontinued at the end of 2008.
So EC-1
In 2008, Am-Kor Motors announced that they are currently working on an electric version of the Shi-Tei. The car is currently called the So EC-1. In 2009, So Motors made a deal with Richards Motor Company to sell the So EC-1 in North America. The car will be called the RMC Charge. So is expected to unveil the car sometime in 2009.
Defects
Being so cheaply produced, the So Shi-Tei has been reviled to have several design flaws.
From 1983 until 1993 the So Shi-Tei faced electrical problems. The result would range from a faulty radio to the car randomly not starting. The problem came back again in 2004 but was solved by 2005.
From 1985 until 1987 and 1989 until 1991, the Shi-Tei had windshield wiper problems. When driving, the wipers would apparently fly off. This was fixed in 1991.
From 1985 until 1994 many Shi-Tei cars had a problem where the car would suddenly catch fire without warning.
Pictures
First generation:
Second Generation:
Third Generation:
Fourth Generation: 
