Smart finally coming to the USA

  • Thread starter Thread starter jimihemmy
  • 111 comments
  • 4,933 views
I'm not so sure....it seems the demographic they want to buy it would rather go for looks and style instead of practicality.

I'm sure some folks will buy it, but I don't expect it to sell nearly as well as they do in Canada.
 
The 2008 model will be the next generation fortwo. Any other info on this car?

Why aren't they selling through the Mercedes network though?
 
exigeracer
The 2008 model will be the next generation fortwo. Any other info on this car?

Why aren't they selling through the Mercedes network though?
Click to expand...

Originally that was the plan. They were to be here in 2006, but MB did not think it would be profitable. So, they waited for what they felt was the right time as well as need time to figure how the distribution would work.
I'm sure it would still be through MB dealers...just not all of them. It may be like they do with the Maybach...only certain dealers sell them.

Maybach, like Smart, is also a division of DCAG.
 
Diego440
I thought Mercedes finalised the Smart about two months ago?
Click to expand...

Official announcement is today.

let me please make 1 correction....

Penske dealers WILL NOT be the exclusive sellers as I have heard...in better wording, UAG (whose chairman is Roger Penske) will determine who will get the car (which I would guess would be only UAG dealers).

note: I've added another link concerning Smart in the USA in my first post..
 
Here in the UK smart sales were originally run through the MB dealer network, however approximatly 2 years ago the smart brand was split out as a totally seperate franchise, with seperate showrooms.

While a good number of them are next door to MB dealers, they run as a distinct showroom, with seperate and very different branding and decor to the MB sites.

Most of the markets in which smart are officially sold follow this model, so it may well be an indicator to the US market.

Regards

Scaff
 
Wow, finally a cute car that I see more purpose in than my girlfriend does.

She said it's real bad ugly, I hope that doesn't seem too popular an opinion in America.
 
Get Smart. That was actually an old sitcom for what I understand. While the front screen has a little circular loading screen similar to Mozilla Firefox, I can say that the desire for more fuel-efficient cars is going to have a popular choice. There are two things which works in favor of Smarts- affordablity and fuel economy. Something that could work against most Smarts- not enough room for everyone, not so much in carrying groceries and stuff... We're some busy beavers in America. I don't think the always-on-the-go kind of person will want to have a car better suited for brief point-to-point deals. And how do we know that people won't be looking to stuff like the Honda Fit or something for something small and fun?

I think Smart won't succeed in America on paper. But you never know. There may be a market for quirky little cars with great gas mileage. And if there was in Europe, America may be no different.

To add to this discussion, let's do some percentages. What are the chances that Smart actually does succeed in America in three years or less?
 
Given that people are burning SUV's to get out of them nowadays, I say if Hurricane season causes a gas spike to say, $4 a gallon, Smarts will take off.

So, it all depends on the weather.
 
Here is what my trust-rusty automotive news source had to say...

Leftlanenews.com
Following a bevy of rumors earlier this week, DaimlerChrysler chairman Dieter Zetsche today announced that the unique and urban-friendly Smart brand will enter the U.S. market. Beginning in early 2008, the successor to the Smart ForTwo will be available in U.S. markets in three models. The cars will be distributed by international automotive retailer UnitedAuto Group.

"Following the success of the Smart ForTwo in our first North American market, Canada, and the increasing demand for affordable and fuel efficient small cars in the U.S.A., we are now bringing this new kind of mobility to U.S. cities," Zetsche said. "The time has never been better for this – and I am convinced that the Smart ForTwo as an innovative, ecological and agile city car will soon become just as familiar a sight on the streets of New York, Miami or Seattle, as it is today in Rome, Berlin or Paris."

Like its predecessor, the Smart ForTwo successor will have all the important features that "make customers feel safer and more comfortable." As part of the Mercedes Car Group, the Smart vehicle will be equipped with unique technology, including the "hard shell" tridion safety cell, ESP and various airbag systems.

UnitedAuto expects to qualify potential dealers using an open process that will focus on their commitment to the brand and strategic locations in key markets with facilities that meet the needs of the brand and the customer. Demonstration of outstanding customer satisfaction metrics will also be a key element to qualify for the franchise. The initial rollout of retail outlets is expected to start in mid-2007, with the official launch of the Smart brand planned to occur later that year. The Smart vehicle is expected to be sold in the U.S. starting in early 2008.

UnitedAuto Chairman Roger Penske remarked, "We are thrilled with the opportunity to represent the Smart brand in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through our international diversification, we’ve seen the benefits the Smart brand provides in Europe. We believe the U.S. market will embrace the Smart vehicle with its exceptional fuel economy, environmentally friendly features, and advantageous price point. We look forward to a successful launch of this vehicle over the next several years."
Click to expand...

So it looks as though it is going to start at a small trickle and continually grow and grow on into 2007 when the brand should be in full swing here in the US.

My perspective on all of this: While it is good and all that more cars like this are on the way to the US to "curve" our fuel consumption, these cars will only be practical in larger cities, or maybe in very small towns where large ammounts of travel are not needed. Granted, the car should be getting good gas mileage no matter what it is doing, but this still is not a very safe car (search for the SMART ForTwo crash test against that of it's sibling, the S-Class).

Added to that, I would say it was pretty dumb to do the ForTwo in the US as well. Granted it is the best seller in Europe (correct me if I'm wrong please!), but I would think that the ForFour would match the American standard of practicality over performance. I just cannot fathom buying this car and not having much room on the inside, much less a hatchback that can carry anything more than a few groceries, and not have a back seat.

...But hey, maybe if the SMART brand goes well enough in the US, maybe we will eventually get the ForFour, and maybe one day the Roadster as well.
 
YSSMAN
Added to that, I would say it was pretty dumb to do the ForTwo in the US as well. Granted it is the best seller in Europe (correct me if I'm wrong please!), but I would think that the ForFour would match the American standard of practicality over performance. I just cannot fathom buying this car and not having much room on the inside, much less a hatchback that can carry anything more than a few groceries, and not have a back seat.

...But hey, maybe if the SMART brand goes well enough in the US, maybe we will eventually get the ForFour, and maybe one day the Roadster as well.
Click to expand...

You are very unlikely to see either the ForFour or the Roadster in the US, for the same reason you will not see them in the future in the UK. Both models have been canned.

smart as a brand is currently loosing DC money by the bucketload, the main reason the non-core models have now ended production.

As far as the roadster goes I think its a shame, but the ForFour was not good value in anyones book, its basically a re-skined version of the Colt.

I notice that a number of people have compaired the Fortwo to cars such as the Fit and questioned the lack of interior space. I think this is mainly coming from those in the US (and please note this is not a dig in any way) and I honestly think that you have no real idea about just how small the Fortwo is. It makes the Fit look like a giant among cars.

To put this into perspective the Fit (Jazz in the UK) is 383 cm in length, the Colt is 387 cm in length, the Lotus Elise is 378 cms and one of the shortest cars on sale in the US today. The smart ForTwo is 250 cms in length, thats 128 cms shorter than the Elise or nearly 4 feet 2 inches.

Thats right, over four feet shorter than an Elise.

I have to say I really any not sure how the bulk of the US is going to react, I can recall an article in CAR a year or so ago in which they drove a smart across the US (coast to coast) and on the whole it was well recieved. However it remains to be seen if that will translate in sales, even if (as many predict) the US market may be the make or break point for the smart brand as a whole.

Regards

Scaff

BTW - sorry to be fussy on this but its smart not Smart or SMART, all lower case.
 
Oh dear.. What happens when a Smart gets into a wreck with one of our oversized pickups?


:nervous:

Personally, I think they're hideous. Americans buy too much superfluos junk to even think about fitting their junk in a Smart Fortwo. It might work as a bachelor car, but would an american man would want one? I don't think so..

I know my car takes up the space of at least two Fortwos, but I don't think Americans are ready to get rid of their big cars yet. I know I'm not.

But, I'd rather have a lot of smarts running around with only a driver inside than a bunch of SUVs with only one passenger.
 
JohnBM01
To add to this discussion, let's do some percentages. What are the chances that Smart actually does succeed in America in three years or less?
Click to expand...

smart has not turned a profit yet (since 1998!)...I don't expect them to turn one anytime soon.

Scaff
You are very unlikely to see either the ForFour or the Roadster in the US, for the same reason you will not see them in the future in the UK. Both models have been canned.

smart as a brand is currently loosing DC money by the bucketload, the main reason the non-core models have now ended production.

As far as the roadster goes I think its a shame, but the ForFour was not good value in anyones book, its basically a re-skined version of the Colt.

I notice that a number of people have compaired the Fortwo to cars such as the Fit and questioned the lack of interior space. I think this is mainly coming from those in the US (and please note this is not a dig in any way) and I honestly think that you have no real idea about just how small the Fortwo is. It makes the Fit look like a giant among cars.

To put this into perspective the Fit (Jazz in the UK) is 383 cm in length, the Colt is 387 cm in length, the Lotus Elise is 378 cms and one of the shortest cars on sale in the US today. The smart ForTwo is 250 cms in length, thats 128 cms shorter than the Elise or nearly 4 feet 2 inches.

Thats right, over four feet shorter than an Elise.

I have to say I really any not sure how the bulk of the US is going to react, I can recall an article in CAR a year or so ago in which they drove a smart across the US (coast to coast) and on the whole it was well recieved. However it remains to be seen if that will translate in sales, even if (as many predict) the US market may be the make or break point for the smart brand as a whole.

Regards

Scaff

BTW - sorry to be fussy on this but its smart not Smart or SMART, all lower case.
Click to expand...

Being an employee of an MB dealership, I have seen a smart in person...it is REALLY small. The best way I can describe it is (for us in the USA) imagine a Honda Civic sedan from the front bumper to only the B pillar being longer than a smart. The only other way I can describe it is a shorted A-Class (which we don't have in the USA)
 
High-Test
Oh dear.. What happens when a Smart gets into a wreck with one of our oversized pickups?


:nervous:

Personally, I think they're hideous. Americans buy too much superfluos junk to even think about fitting their junk in a Smart Fortwo. It might work as a bachelor car, but would an american man would want one? I don't think so..

I know my car takes up the space of at least two Fortwos, but I don't think Americans are ready to get rid of their big cars yet. I know I'm not.

But, I'd rather have a lot of smarts running around with only a driver inside than a bunch of SUVs with only one passenger.
Click to expand...


The accident point is a very valid one and a concern of a lot of people here in Europe as well.

In regard to who they will sell to, well the main market in Europe is mainly city dwellers, with no kids. They are very often a second car as well (come to think of it I don't know anyone who has one as an only car), and therefore used for shorter journeys.

One thing I can say is that anyone who has experienced regular problems with parking will love them to bits.

This may help out a few people who have not seen one in the metal.

A smart ForTwo and a ForFour (which is the same size as a Colt) next to each other.

282288_432613_381_195_smart_fortwo_en_forfour.jpg



Regards

Scaff
 
Anyone ever seen the shot of two smarts parked in a normal size parking space?

If you parked them in series, with each driver hopping out before the next one slide in tight, you could probably get 3, damn near 4, in an American parking space.
 
@ Scaff: I actually think the Fit/City/Jazz has more than adequate interior space given the car's overall small size. Between my MKIII Jetta and the Fit that I thinkered with, I was surprised to find plenty of room in the car, and being that I am 6'ft 170lbs, that is surprising for a car like that.

Now, as you say, the ForTwo is quite a bit smaller, so I am not sure on the fit (excuse the pun) of the car to American size standards. Granted, if you are a single person living in a big city like New York or Chicago, I really cannot think of a better car (besides the Fit, Versa, Scion xA/xB, etc.) for getting around town in relative ease getting great MPG while you are at it.

---

But to be change the tone for a moment, I think all of our opinions (especially we Americans) are a bit skewed against that of the general public. Being automotive enthusiests, most of us would probably steer clear of the ForTwo in droves, given it's awkward stance and thus horrible handling, the lack of a powerful engine, and overall "doofus" looks that go with it.

Yes, that would mean that we are all overestimating what will happen when the American public sees cars like this on sale. When the public sees that they can buy the car for presumably less than $20,000 and get nearly 60 MPG, they could go crazy over the car. Thus, this could be the next "trend" car like the Toyota Prius, Cadillac Escalade, Hummer H2, Ford Mustang, etc.

...And when Scaff mentioned the CAR article in which the ForTwo was driven across the US, it made me think of the Car and Driver article in which C/D drove the ForTwo across Oaklahoma to see what most '"regular" Americans thought of the car, and the opinions were positive.

We have to look at the car not as enthusiests, but as regular citizens looking for economical cars. Granted, I have my stigmas against a car this small, but as a consumer, the idea of a car as frugal as this is quite appealing.

(BUT I STILL WANT FOUR DOORS!!!)
 
So what the hell kind of pricing are we looking at? I like the smart 4dr. If city cars are to become popular in the US this is the first step I think. So like them or not pray they catch on. I'm absolutely SICK of seeing SUVs everywhere.

*edit*
I can't think of a better daily driver than something that gets awsome MPG.
 
Given the current exchange rates between the United States and Canada, the smart ForTwo Coupe should start at $14,890 USD.

A nicely equipped ForTwo "passion" coupe should go for just over $18,000 USD when nicely equipped with things such as heated seats, special paint, etc.
 
YSSMAN
Given the current exchange rates between the United States and Canada, the smart ForTwo Coupe should start at $14,890 USD.

A nicely equipped ForTwo "passion" coupe should go for just over $18,000 USD when nicely equipped with things such as heated seats, special paint, etc.
Click to expand...

Screw that...just give me A/C and a proper manual. 👍 The ForTwo is the 2dr tiny one isn't it? Whens the ForFour coming out? ...or whatever.

*edit*
Oh and the (lucky) ones of you here that live in Europe how's the handling in one of these? If I take a corner very hard is it going to roll over? I'd hate to think the ForTwo handles likea pathetic CRV.
 
1) No more ForFour or Roadster according to Scaff, so that is the SUXORZ!
2) You can order three different trim levels with the ForTwo to start with, so what you are calling for should go for just over $15K USD when it shows up sometime soon.
3) A ForTwo handeling good? Ha ha, obviously you didn't see Top Gear test the car...



...wait for the ForTwo around 2:30, then you might be surprised!
 
YSSMAN
1) No more ForFour or Roadster according to Scaff, so that is the SUXORZ!
2) You can order three different trim levels with the ForTwo to start with, so what you are calling for should go for just over $15K USD when it shows up sometime soon.
3) A ForTwo handeling good? Ha ha, obviously you didn't see Top Gear test the car...


...wait for the ForTwo around 2:30, then you might be surprised!
Click to expand...

Yep the ForFour, Roadster and the planned 4x4 (yes realy) have all been cancelled.

Nice vid, I'd forgotten about that one, and no as it shows the ForTwo is not a good handling car by any stretch of the imagination.

Always a nice one to pull out when people bang on about how vastly superior Enthusia is to all other PS2 sims, tell them to go and take a smart ForTwo out and try and get it to understeer. Its almost impossiable (and certainly not the same level as the TG vid shows) to do even on the wet tracks. Realistic understeer? Not in my experience, which is plenty.


Regards

Scaff
 
Just as long as you don't claim GT4 models anything well, I have no problem with dissing on EPR now and then.

Can't say that I broke the ForTwo out, I'd try it but my rig is disassembled at the moment.
 
Onikaze
Just as long as you don't claim GT4 models anything well, I have no problem with dissing on EPR now and then.

Can't say that I broke the ForTwo out, I'd try it but my rig is disassembled at the moment.
Click to expand...


Off topic warning

I personally believe both GT4 and EPR have strengthes and weakness's, and rate them about equal overall. I have both and love both, but am more than aware of the flaws they both have. It's just from personal experience I've found that some EPR fans (thankfully few here at GTP) are happy to discuss GT4's flaws, but in some cases refuse to accept that EPR has any (which it most certainly does).

Regards

Scaff
 
Again, this is still off topic, but I've never met an EPR fan who said it was perfect, I have heard that it has the best tire physics model on the PS2, and that it's much more fun for drifting than GT4.

EPR ruined GT4 for me, so much so that I gave GT4 away to a small child in the hopes that since they've never driven a real car, they won't know the difference. I can only hope GT5 fixes the glaring flaws, and maybe takes some pointers from the stuff EPR did right.
 
Offtopic:
I bought GT4 and loved it...until I bought Forza for the XBOX. Forza to me has better mechanics/physics and nothing beats designing your own paint job. AND because the XBOX > PS2 because of the harddrive and the ability to use your own music that will always win. I haven't even turned on my PS2 in a year. GT4 has two great features, the amount of cars is staggering (even if you take out the 1,000,000 NSXs and Skylines) and Photo mode. That's it...the physics suck. Especially the rallying.
 
There is a good video of Mr. Clarkson himself trying to get the ForTwo to oversteer, and it just won't do it. Which is quite funny, as you can get some cars to do it just a bit (think Ford Puma). But, the ForTwo is just an uneventful ride that doesn't like to do much but be driven, slowly.
 
Hmm, I'm just confused about the whole Smart plan now.
Last time I heard they were planning to close down Smart Australia.
 
High-Test
Oh dear.. What happens when a Smart gets into a wreck with one of our oversized pickups?
Click to expand...


Probably the same as what would happen to a Mercedes S-class. There was a head-on collision demonstration between a smart (the original, now called the ForTwo) and a 1999 S600. The smart did alright. It bounced away like a cue ball, but the test dummy reported nothing too serious.

http://paultan.org/topics/cars/continentals/mercedes-benz/
 

Latest Posts

Back