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View Full Version : NAIAS in Detroit: Premiere of the new 2008 Smart fortwo in the USA.


xcel
12-25-2006, 11:23 PM
The new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but better. (www.CleanMPG.com)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_Smart_fortwo.jpgDCX - Dec. 20, 2006

Stuttgart - For the very first time on US soil: the new smart fortwo, celebrating its USA premiere at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 7 to 21, 2007). The new smart fortwo will be available in the USA beginning in the first quarter of 2008. The car shown in Detroit is an European version of the new smart fortwo. Model lines to be available in the United States will be announced at later date.

smart, like Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, is part of the Mercedes Car Group. The exhibition stand is directly opposite Chrysler and Dodge in Oakland Hall (inside Cobo Center). Written in large letters on the stand are the words "Coming to the USA in 2008". And right in front of it, a smart fortwo with red bodypanels and a silver tridion safety cell.

The new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but better. This means that the new smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more environmentally friendly than its predecessor. And from the first draft it is designed to meet USA customer needs and registration standards.

The right car at the right time

It is time for the Smart fortwo to make an appearance in the USA; fuel prices are rising, and city traffic is increasing by the day. In short, the smart fortwo is the right car at the right time.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the two-seater quickly became a popular vehicle following its launch in October 1998. The same is sure to hold true in the USA.

More than 770,000 customers have chosen the first generation of the smart fortwo – often to replace a larger car with the lively two-seater. Because the smart fortwo is something special and stands out from the crowd, and because it is simply fun to drive.

Apart from this, the vehicle concept is also highly practical – especially for people who live in cities or urban areas. On most journeys a car carries just a single occupant, and because people make faster progress through the city in a smart fortwo. And because with a smart fortwo, people can make faster progress through city streets and they do not even need to search for a parking space – the smart fortwo can easily fit between in very limited space – they can find one right away.

As early as 2002, the smart fortwo was included in the permanent collection in New York’s Museum of Modern Art – the only vehicle there that is still produced today. The five other models to attain this honor were the Cisitalia, Jaguar E-Type, Willy’s Jeep, Ferrari Formula 1 and Volkswagen Beetle.

The right distribution partner

With Roger Penske and UnitedAuto Group, smart has the right distribution partner to bring the smart fortwo to the US market in 2008. Smart USA is currently reviewing market data to determine dealership locations – no specific locations have been identified to date. Dealer organizations will be announced during the second half of 2007.

UnitedAuto Group, Inc., headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, operates 319 dealers with 41 different brands and 27 repair workshops. UAG specializes in the sale of new and pre-owned cars, financing, insurance and supplying spare parts and also offers a maintenance and repair service for all the brands it offers.

tbaleno
12-25-2006, 11:32 PM
Smart isn't going to sell well in the US for the same reasons the Insight never did.

diamondlarry
12-26-2006, 07:50 AM
Smart isn't going to sell well in the US for the same reasons the Insight never did.

I think I'm with Tom. The Insight is at the top of my list for the ultimate FE machine. The problem is, only half of our family could travel in it at any given time.

xcel
12-26-2006, 08:10 AM
Hi Tom:

___It is not that they won’t sell well; it is that they HAVE NOT sold well. The previous gen Smart Fortwo has been available in Canada for many years and it has yet to reach sales numbers to provide a profit for DCX. I would not mind driving one with an advanced drive train but they are supposedly going to arrive with a current EPA rating of just 35 – 40 mpg, have less performance and will be more costly then a std. everyday Corolla/Civic.

___I cannot wait to report on the Fortwo’s updates as well as see it in person at NAIAS but I also believe there is too much of a headwind for this automobile to be successful here in the US :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne



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