Smart opens shop in U.S. (68 outlets this month...)
01-14-08 | 03:00 PM
#1
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Smart opens shop in U.S. (68 outlets this month...)
Smart opens shop in U.S.
Posted on Monday 14 January 2008
American highways will soon see the tiny Smart ForTwo minicars following the announcement today the Smart brand will be opening 68 sales outlets in the U.S. across 31 states this month. The brand’s official distributor in the U.S., Penske Automotive Group, declined to comment on the number of sales it expects this year but according to the CEO of Smart’s parent company, Dieter Zetsche, more than 30,000 people have already signed up for one.
California has the most Smart franchises with ten stores all up, followed by Florida with eight, New York with six and Texas with five outlets. Penske also plans to open up an additional six stores as the year progresses, reports Automotive News.
The cars will be offered with three different trim options with the base model starting as low as $12,235 and the range topping coming in at $17,595. For this money, customers get an ultra-efficient two-seater that’s perfect for driving around town, however, highway stretches could be a little unnerving up next to full size SUVs and semis.
Posted on Monday 14 January 2008
American highways will soon see the tiny Smart ForTwo minicars following the announcement today the Smart brand will be opening 68 sales outlets in the U.S. across 31 states this month. The brand’s official distributor in the U.S., Penske Automotive Group, declined to comment on the number of sales it expects this year but according to the CEO of Smart’s parent company, Dieter Zetsche, more than 30,000 people have already signed up for one.
California has the most Smart franchises with ten stores all up, followed by Florida with eight, New York with six and Texas with five outlets. Penske also plans to open up an additional six stores as the year progresses, reports Automotive News.
The cars will be offered with three different trim options with the base model starting as low as $12,235 and the range topping coming in at $17,595. For this money, customers get an ultra-efficient two-seater that’s perfect for driving around town, however, highway stretches could be a little unnerving up next to full size SUVs and semis.
01-14-08 | 04:33 PM
#3
For the price of a Yaris, or some Elantra/Sentra/xD/Corolla/Civic, it'll be a tough sell. I don't think "you get what you pay for" with SMART vehicles.
30k people signed up = after the first year, they'll probably sell only 15k units a year...
It's actually quite good. Check out some videos on YouTube and you'll see it retains it's structural rigidity while hitting a wall at 70 mph...
EDIT: Here you go:
YouTube SMART Crash Video
Note that the interior cabin in intact; the seat buckled appropriately. Even after a crash like that, the door opened with ease.
30k people signed up = after the first year, they'll probably sell only 15k units a year...
It's actually quite good. Check out some videos on YouTube and you'll see it retains it's structural rigidity while hitting a wall at 70 mph...
EDIT: Here you go:
YouTube SMART Crash Video
Note that the interior cabin in intact; the seat buckled appropriately. Even after a crash like that, the door opened with ease.
Last edited by PhilipMSPT; 01-14-08 at 04:52 PM.
01-14-08 | 07:19 PM
#6
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
It is Mercedes-designed, so its overall crash-worthiness is probably better than the miniscule size would suggest. Mercedes, despite electrical and hardware unreliability, is still one of the industry leaders...........along with Volvo.........in crash safety.
01-14-08 | 07:21 PM
#7
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,591
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
This car is next on my review list. If it's there, I plan to look at it at the D.C. Auto Show next week, and test-drive it shortly thereafter....as soon as the Smart shops get them (one is planned just a few miles from my house).
In the meantime, of course, some of you will no doubt see it at the Detroit show.
In the meantime, of course, some of you will no doubt see it at the Detroit show.
Last edited by mmarshall; 01-14-08 at 07:25 PM.
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01-14-08 | 08:26 PM
#12
there is a dealer opening about 5mins from my house in weston, fl...once they're open, i plan to check them out. i doubt i ever purchase one, liuke many said the yaris, fit, versa, civic, etc are just as good and comparable in pricing.
01-14-08 | 10:08 PM
#13
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I can see driving it around town, if you live in a city or a very very far suburb.
In everyday driving, in America, with giant cars, SUV and 18 wheelers, I just don't know.
Its chic, so people may buy it b/c its "cool"
Is it just me or something that small should get 100mpg
In everyday driving, in America, with giant cars, SUV and 18 wheelers, I just don't know.
Its chic, so people may buy it b/c its "cool"
Is it just me or something that small should get 100mpg
