Smart Canada introduced its melon-colored Fortwo Limited Edition Three to help guarantee you have the most unique whip on the block - only 180 units will be made. Special attributes include 12-spoke 15-inch alloys, a 70 horsepower three-cylinder engine, ABS, ESP, 3-spoke sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and a leather gear shifter.
Keeping with the "green" theme is its Micro Hybrid Drive, which shuts down the engine at speeds below 8 mph and restarts it when the brake pedal is released. This helps get fuel savings of anywhere from 8 to 20 percent fuel in that dreadful stop-and-go traffic.
The vehicle is available now, and pricing starts at $19,500 ($16,990 American) for the coupe and $22,500 ($19,600) for the drop-top Smart.
The Insurance Institure for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just released bumper tests on 7 "minicars" as it likes to call them and the results weren't pretty.
Smart Fortwo -- Acceptable Chevrolet Aveo -- Marginal Mini Cooper -- Poor Toyota Yaris -- Poor Honda Fit -- Poor Hyundai Accent -- Poor Kia Rio -- Poor
In the case of the Kia Rio, IIHS noted that repair costs from a 6mph frontal impact would result in $3,701 in damage, which equates to rougthly 30% of the car's original cost. The solid rating for the Smart car was largely a consequence of its easily replaceable pre-painted body panels.
You may have seen the findings of an IIHS report released earlier this week. It showed the shocking truth behind collisions between vehicles of different sizes. The conclusion? The bigger one wins. To see for yourself, watch the video below.
In what can only be described as a case for Captain Obvious, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just released a report that shows the reduced crash worthiness of smaller, subcompact cars compared to larger, midsize cars.
According to the report, "The Honda Fit, Smart Fortwo, and Toyota Yaris are good performers in the Institute's frontal offset barrier test, but all three are poor performers in the frontal collisions with midsize cars. These results reflect the laws of the physical universe, specifically principles related to force and distance."
Ah yes, those annoying laws of the physical universe, not much we can do about those.
Do you hate having to own your car? You know, paying for gas, insurance, a place to park. It's all so exhausting. Wouldn't you just rather pay for a car as you need it? That's the idea behind Daimler's Car2Go program that will soon make its way to Austin, TX.
The idea is to have Smart cars spread throughout the city and when you need to go somewhere you just hop in, swipe your registration card and go. You can also reserve a car ahead of time with your cell phone. Rates are by the minute, hour or day, insurance included.
A pilot program in Ulm, Germany has already shown signs of interest. According to Robert Henrich, project manager at Daimler AG, "In just two weeks more than 500 customers had registered with car2go - a number we had not anticipated. Sometimes I could see from my office window how employees sprinted to the parking lot after work to get a car2go before they were all gone."
Yes, that sounds like a great way to end the workday.
Well it looks like Americans like slow, pint-sized, eco-mobiles after all. Company officials at Smart said they expected to sell around 16,000 vehicles in 2008. Turns out it was more like 24,622.
So what made the difference? Most would assume that high gas prices played a big part during the first half of the year and there's no doubt they helped. But looking at the sales numbers, the Fortwo actually held steady throughout the year. Its numbers were down slightly in the second half, but not dramatically. Officials for Smart say they have another 40,000 customers who have put down a $99 deposit, so 2009 should remain just as solid.
We're skeptical though, especially given what we've seen here in Southern California. The lot shown above was asking as much as $28,000 for a Fortwo six months ago. Now they're down to $20,000, and there are more of them. We'll see soon enough if the novelty has worn off, or if people are indeed serious about going small to save gas.
You may have already seen the sales totals for December, and 2008 as a whole. If not, here's a summary: not good. For a more detailed look, check out the industry wide 2008 sales analysis over at AutoObserver.
We assembled something a little different though. Instead of assessing the big picture, we looked at the sales numbers for individual models. Which new models flopped, which old models recovered, that sort of thing. Some of the results we expected, others were a little more eye opening. See for yourself after the jump.
Celebrating the one-year anniversary of its U.S. launch today at the L.A. auto show, Smart USA proudly reported that it's already delivered over 20,000 of the itty-bitty microcars in the States during the past 10 months.
Smart USA Chairman Roger Penske says that the U.S. is now the third-best selling country for Smart, garnering 18 percent of Smart's worldwide sales volume.
Continuing its economical assult on America's urban areas, Smart announced its new Brabus Fortwo model, due to arrive here early next year.
Available in both coupe and cabriolet models, the Brabus Smart Fortwo will use the same three-cylinder engine as the standard Fortwo, but will distinguish itself with an exterior body kit that includes a front spoiler, side skirts, 15-inch front wheels and 17-inchers in the back. A sport-tuned exhaust also includes dual chrome-plated exhaust tips that peek through a Brabus rear skirt.
Priced at $17,990 for the coupe and $20,990 for the cabriolet, Smart will begin allowing current Smart Fortwo reservation-holders to convert their order from a standard Fortwo to a Brabus Fortwo.
Already have a Fortwo? Smart USA will soon offer an array of Brabus accessories through its dealer network. -- Kelly Toepke, News Editor
Honda introduces an all-new Life minicar for the Japanese market. The new Life is the first minicar in Japan to include an audio system with a backup camera as standard equipment. As you can see by the link, there are several faces one can choose.
With the Smart already on sale, and Toyota considering selling their iQ, do you think Honda should consider selling something like this here?
It seems everyone--except many in the automotive press--absolutely LUV the tiny Smart car. Now that word that Brabus-prepped model is heading Stateside, maybe even the press (indcluding Edmunds editors) will join the Smart LoveFest. The 98-hp micro-sportster is expected to go on sale in February. No word yet on pricing.
Sure to become the "next big thing" (well, maybe...), Daimler has launched Car2go, which is a fleet of 50 Smart cars, that can be "hired" as needed to make a quick across town commute, or whatever. This will first be tested with Daimler employees, and then, once the kinks are ironed out, offered to the public.
The Toyota Smart-fighter, the iQ, will be on display at the LA auto show. There is some speculation that it could be sold here under the Scion banner, and could come in under $15K.
The iQ is scheduled to go on sale in Europe and Japan in 2010. If it does come here the current 3-cylinder engine might be replaced with a more powerful 4-cylinder unit.Full story here.
The Smart ED (electric drive) might excite like a trip to the dentist, but there's no denying this display is cool. -- Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
I'd call the Smart ED (electric drive) the hit of the entire 2008 Paris Auto Show, but I wouldn't be able to keep a straight face. The electric-powered Smart, which the company today called the future of mobility, is quite simply an electric version of the Smart Fortwo, a very small two-seater that has seen success in Europe and began sales in the USA earlier this year.
Production of the Smart ED could start as early as next year, according to company officials. In the meantime, development of the little city car continues. Apparently a prototype has been running around the clogged streets of London for the past year with very positive results.
In other Smart news, the company recently built its 1millionth Smart, and will begin sales in China sometime next year. -- Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
Ah, the old infrastructure bugaboo... Well, it's good to see that at least the Germans are moving forward on making the ownership and use of an electric vehicle easier by addressing this issue. This is thanks to a joint venture by Daimler AG and energy provider RWE AG.
It's called e-mobility Berlin, and is described as the world's largest joint project for environmentally friendly electric cars. Daimler will provide around 100 electric cars from Mercedes-Benz and smart as well as the vehicle service and RWE will install and operate 500 charging points in customer's homes, workplaces, public parking areas and through agreements with businesses such as shopping centers. The initiative is also being supported by the German federal government.
AutoExpress is reporting that Toyota's Smart-fighter, the iQ, may get a plug-in hybrid version. The car would use a 500c gas engine. It would be able to travel 15 miles in pure electric mode. It could be in production by 2010. No word yet as to whether it will be sold here.
Speaking of "smart" and "iQ," what's with this naming of vehicles based on one's brain capabilities? Do they actually "think" (another brain function) that the buyers are smart and have high IQs? I always "thought" (past tense brain function) that puns (like these) were mainly for those (like me) of less capable intellect?
The once struggling Smart car now can't keep up with production. The factory in Hambach, France is running at nearly full tilt, and the need for extra production capacity is looming. As such Daimler is considering building another factory, either in the USA or Asia.
In addition Smart is considering adding a model with more seats. Does that mean they're going to bring back the earlier-offered and ill-fated ForFour model? Or will it be something entirely different? Full story here.Other Smart newsSmart is "smartin'" as a result of a recall, in which the roof and/or windshield could fly off. Yikes!Smart Recalls 2008 FortwoFinally, a Smart turns up in--of all places--Anchorage, AK. I wasn't aware that this city in our northernmost state had traffic problem in which the tiny Smart car would be needed? One thing is for certain: It's getting a lot of attention from Alaskans who are far more used to seeing full-size trucks and SUVs on their roads.
To say the Smart car is off to a smart start here in the USA would an understatement. In fact the Penske Automotive Group, which imports the car, has upped their sales projections for 2008. Originally Penske had hoped to sell 20,000 units this year. Now they're expecting to sell between 24,000 and 27,000 Smart ForTwos. ...And, if Daimler could deliver more cars, they would likely sell between 30,000 to 32,000 units.Full story here.
It looks like the once unthinkable is now upon us. Sales of premium mico cars such as the Mini and Smart are soaring. If you go to buy a Smart tomorrow, you'll likely have to wait a year before you can drive away in one; and Mini sales are showing a 34-percent increase over this time last year.
Makes you wonder how long before we see other luxury brands such as Lexus, Acura, etc. offer micro cars here?
Had an opportunity recently to spend about 20 minutes driving a loaded (if that word can used) Smart Passion Cabriolet. A few comments:
• It was the worst accelerating car that I've driven in 30+ years. From a dead stop, when giving gas, the 3-cylinder, 999cc engine felt like it was going to stall, rather than move the car forward. I can't imagine what it would be like with a passenger onboard.
• The only way to drive this car is with the auto-manual transmission in "manual mode," using the paddle shifters. Driven in that mode it was actually fun. Still sssslllloooowwww--but fun. In the "auto mode" it will put you to sleep--not a good thing when driving. Also in "auto mode," it's very reluctant to downshift on hills, etc. Frankly, I can't think of a more miserable driving experience. Like I said, "manual mode" is the ONLY way to go with this car--and that is fun! This is the only tranny available; there is no pure manual to be had.
• It requires premium fuel. Are they kidding? In an eco-friendly, save-our-planet car like this?
• Handling? As you might expect, it felt like a micro-mini SUV. It wasn't confidence-inspiring, but that may change with more familiarity.
• Steering seemed a bit slow for a car this tiny.
• While it's capable of 40+ mpg, for a car this size I would expect 70+ mpg.
• $18K or so as equipped--OUCH!
• This car has more "cult" potential than any other car on the market. No question about it, this car is a real conversation starter--a sure plus for shy people (Garrison Keillor would be pleased).
The Smart sort of reminded me of my first car, a '62 VW sunroof. I have fond memories of that car, even though it was as primitive as an anvil. Like that old VW, and despite all the Smart's real-world shortcomings, it's still a hoot to drive. Yes, slow can be fun! I was pleasantly surprised at how good (and stable) it felt at speed, if you can call 40 or 50 mph speed. I would have no problems driving it on back country roads like where I live. Certainly the risk of getting speeding tickets drops to about zero.
Now, if and when they bring over the turbo-powered Brabus Smart--give me a call--ASAP! That should be an ubër hoot to drive.
There currently two Smart dealers here in Maryland, one in Germantown (where I went), the other in Annapolis. Both are paired with Mercedes dealers. Interesting to note that you purchase the car via the Internet, and not the dealer. You merely go to the dealer to pick the car up and have it serviced.
The South Korean-designed Chevy Beat may be coming Stateside. Originally intended for Asia and Latin America, the soaring fuel prices that have sparked the rapidly changing Americans' vehicle tastes have GM rethinking their plans.
"Everything is under review," said GM spokesman Dee Allen. While the automaker's executives continually review their lineup, this examination might lead to bigger changes, he said. "Obviously, the market has been changing rather rapidly."
The Beat is smaller than the current Chevy Aveo, and is roughly the size of a Smart.
As might have been expected, the tiny Smart car did quite well in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash testing.
"The big question from consumers is, 'How safe is it?' " said Adrian Lund, the institute's president. "Among the smallest cars, the engineers of the Smart did their homework and designed a high level of safety into a very small package."
On the flip side, those huge 15-passenger vans fared quite a bit worse in safety studies, as the fatality rating is pretty bad when these behemoths flip in accidents when fully loaded...
What can I say? I guess it had to happen sooner or later, that being taking a Smart, and stretching it into a limo-like monstrosity. Oh, there's a hearse version the works too by UK limo specialist Carbonyte, who created this pop-top Smart.
For those wondering how the tiny Smart would do in government crash testing, the results are in, and they are, well... so-so.
It earned four stars in the front crash test for both the driver and passenger and five stars in the side crash test, the highest number the federal agency gives. However, during the side test the driver door opened, which raised the eyebrows of NHTSA testers, as that can be a safety issue...
The micro Smart will go on sale here in January, and as reported earlier (Most 2008 Smarts pre-sold before US launch), 30,000 Americans have already put down deposits for the car.
"We were totally amazed by the kind of reaction we got," Zetsche said at a breakfast with reporters. "We will not be able to meet the demands here next year."
The Smart fortwo starts at $11,590 for the base model (without a radio, power steering or air conditioning), and the full-boogie convertible model stickers (with options) at $17,440.
In an effort to meet the Mercedes-built Smart head-on, BMW is reportedly planning on resurrecting their tiny Isetta microcar. AutoExpress states that we should see something by around 2010.
If you think this is a silly idea, consider their success in bringing back the Mini Cooper, and in resuscitating Rolls-Royce.
Early adopters have zeroed in on the new Smart car, as it is reported that most of the 2008 allocations have all been pre-sold—even before the car has officially hit the streets. So, if you want one, don't expect delivery much before the end of next year.
The question everyone is asking is will this be just another automotive one-night-stand, like the Thunderbird and PT Cruiser, and will disappear in 5 or so years? Or do you think the Smart (and similar cars) will have true staying power?..
Walking around the modern, sterile halls of the Frankfurt auto show, with all their escalators and moving walkways, you might get the impression the whole city is stuffy and all-business. But within a couple miles of the Messe, you see things that just wouldn't be possible in the United States. For instance, a Mercedes-Benz dealership where human-size stuffed rabbits are allowed to ride in SLK350s.
Innovative and Unique Vehicle to Go on Sale January 2008 Smart USA Distributor LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc., (NYSE: PAG), today announced the pricing of the all-new smart fortwo models that will be sold in the United States beginning in the first quarter of 2008.
The smart fortwo will be available in three trim levels. The entry-level pure coupe will start at $11,590*, manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), with standard convenience features such as a 5-speed transmission that allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual driving modes with the push of a button, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and a radio-ready console. The well-equipped passion coupe, starting at $13,590* MSRP, includes a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with gear shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with CD player, all standard. Those seeking top-down excitement can choose the passion cabrio, starting at $16,590* MSRP, featuring a fully automatic soft top that can be easily adjusted, with a push of a button and in addition to the standard equipment of the passion couple, a premium sound system with an in-dash mp3 compatible 6-CD changer. The value-priced cabriolet model is believed to debut as the lowest priced convertible offered in the United States. All models are equipped with a 1 liter, 3-cylinder, 71 horse power engine.
“The smart fortwo offers a fantastic combination of fun to drive aspects, innovation, functionality – and all for a great value,” said Dave Schembri, president of smart USA. “In addition all smart fortwo models will come standard with four air bags and many other safety features found in many luxury vehicles.”
An optional “comfort package” for the passion coupe and passion cabrio, at $850* MSRP, includes leather heated seats, electric power steering, rain/light sensors, and auto-off headlamps with exit delay.
Information about many other vehicle accessories and option pricing can be found on the smart USA website here...
According to Automotive News (via Autoblog) Toyota will debut a SMART-like car at the Frankfurt auto show this fall. Called the Endo (not a great name if you're a biker), this will be Toyota's first effort in this class size for the European market. The car has an unusual 3+1 seating set up.
Smart is sort of the pilot fish to Mercedes-Benz' shark, so it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the minicar division didn't have its own press conference to unveil the Fortwo model that it's bringing to the U.S. Instead, it just rode along with Mercedes and used a few of the main company's press-conference minutes.
In fact, there wasn't even an actual Smart anywhere near the conference. Instead, Roger Penske, who will head the U.S...
Oh, this is good. I can't wait till the good ole boys catch this down at the county fair... Instead of crushing a row of '60s-era rusted out Buicks, Mercurys, DeSotos and Pontiacs like Bigfoot and his buddies, this Smart Funfor2 (aka Bigfoot's Mini-Me, aka Smartmog) will crush a row of rusted out '60s-era Isettas, Minis, Messerschmitts, and Heinkels.
Snippet: Created by Greek rally champion Stefan Attart, the head-turning Smart combines the body shell of the existing Fortwo with the industrial-grade four-wheel-drive underpinnings of parent company Mercedes-Benz's Unimog 406...
File this under "where there's a will, there's a way."
You just know that someone, somewhere, would try and pull this off. Not sure of the original source of this image, other than it's most likely from Europe. My guess is probably the UK, as the Brits are known for doing outageous things with vehicles. It's a core part of their national DNA...
Penske is hoping to sign 30 – 50 smart dealers, mostly in urban areas of the country. Expect some unusual marketing—which I would assume, is to be expected.
Snippet: On a per-store basis, Smart dealers might expect to match the unit sales volume of Mini dealers -- about 40 cars per month. If so, Penske could expect to sell 15,000 to 20,000 per year...
I'm a big fan of the smart fortwo, which we will be getting in 2008, but less so of the four-door forfour model. So I'm not terribly upset that this model is getting the ax. The tiny fortwo is the essence of cool and hip. It's also very timely...
As you might expect, Inside Line has the inside scoop here on the smart US import announcement, as well as a few other tidbits—as in the smart USA web site link, which also has a couple of neat videos.
I think this is pretty exciting news, and have been thinking about it much of the day. Since Roger Penske will be running the show, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a smart-only race series as part of the marketing. Can you imagine seeing a herd of these critters up on the Daytona banking?!?!?!..
This just in: Automotive News is reporting that Roger Penske will sell and service SMART cars in U.S. for DaimlerChrysler.
DaimlerChrysler expects to sell 20,000 SMART fortwo models annually in the United States, with an emphasis on urban markets on the West and East coasts. SMART's U.S...
Back in March I reported that DaimlerChrysler would be bringing the SMART car Stateside. Well, here's some "new" news on that deal. Reportedly the automaker will make an announcement tomorrow (Tuesday) regarding importation plans. As they say, stay tuned...
University of Maryland professor John Robinson comments on what it's like to live with a SMART car. Actually, he owns three SMARTS, but can only drive one thanks to bureaucratic red tape.
Snippet: ...the Smart car has been problem-free, but he's concerned about routine maintenance because it didn't come with an owner's manual in book form. "It came with a DVD," he says, "but it doesn't work in my player."
He's busy trying to secure a paper manual, and for good reason...
Everyone knows that the SMART car makes a great ubanmobile. It's perfect for London, Paris, and hopefully someday even New York and other large US cities. But Boise? Boise, Idaho?
The on-again-off-again SMART deal for the USA is apparently on again. Anyone who has been following this soap opera knows this will-they-won't-they flip-flopping has been going on for several years.
