The Beta concept car was designed to use minimal components and materials. This helps reduce weight, cost and fuel consumpton, improves performance, requires less maintainance and reduces pollution. This concept was mainly thought of as a commuter car, though it could also apply to long distance vehicles.
The situation today in the car industry with most designs produced being 'world' cars means that cars are not specifically designed for a particular country's environment. Just one example: Many hotter countries with more stable weather could do away with side glass and even the rear windows on their cars, which add considerably to the car's weight as well as complexity and cost. Of course lower production volumes would increase costs but overall it seems to me like the car industry has completely failed to consider this aspect of design.