Daimler expects huge US demand for tiny Smart car

www.physorg.com ^ | 12/03/2007 | Staff

[Red Badger]

German car maker Daimler said Tuesday that next month's launch of its tiny Smart car in the United States will unleash such stiff demand the company will have trouble meeting it.

We will not be able to meet demand thus far" for 2008, Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche said here at a news briefing.

More than 30,000 US customers have put down 99-dollar deposits to reserve one of the fuel-saving, two-seat Smart Fortwo, which will begin arriving in the massive US market in January, he said.

"Down payments are going far beyond the production capacity we have," the chairman said, without providing a sales forecast for the US market.

Many analysts question the ability of the super-small Smart, which measures a mere 2.5 meters (eight feet) in length, to succeed in the country of hulking gasoline-guzzling vehicles.

"Times have changed," Zetsche said, pointing to growing concerns of American consumers about global warming.

The Smart Fortwo will be marketed via 70 dealerships in the leading US cities, the company said.

In its most basic version, the micro car will sell for 11,590 dollars, excluding tax. The company said that a Smart equipped with all the options was expected to cost some 20,000 dollars, including tax.

"We are not looking for customers looking for the cheapest vehicle," Zetsche said.

Daimler clearly signaled it was aiming to emulate Apple's success with electronics gadgets in the US market.

"Like owning an Apple i-Mac, i-Pod or i-Phone, Smart documents the open-minded attitude of the 'thought leaders,' who choose innovative solutions as an existential part of their everyday lives," the company said in a press brochure.

[Chode]

fair weather car for sure...

[shaft29]

“ala the Pious.” LOL. Original? Can I use?

[texastoo]

The Chinese are going to keep on manufacturing cars. Try this website. It is neat.

http://www.dfmc.com.cn/index_en.aspx

A lot of money is being pumped into China and manufacturing.

[KenHorse]

Well.....the main problem with a Chinese car is you can fill it but an hour later it’s empty again.

[HardStarboard]

>>>... is required to drive one (not to mention Hollywood types, as well). <<<

Al Gore is exempted....because of girth?

[texastoo]

I have never driven a Chinese car. How large is the gas tank?

[saganite]

It’s not original with me. Feel free to use it. I do!

[KenHorse]

The tank is big enough to hold a complete Dinner B.

Another thing is that the Chinese rated their cars not in miles per gallon (MPG) but rather in MSG.

Which, of course, provides all the gas it needs.

[JamesP81]

92 was the first year of the LT1. How were they for mechanical reliability that year? My dad has a 96 with 80k miles and it’s immaculate, but I know that sometimes first model year designs can have some glitches.

[JamesP81]

My smart car

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I can see the ZO6 badging on that second ride. I don't even begin to have that sort of money. Awesome machine, though.

[KenHorse]

My wife's LT1 is a '95.

It's an absolutely bulletproof engine (it's a GM 350 4-bolt main)

[KenHorse]

Yep, it's a Z06. Borla catbacks on her too

She sounds sweet!

[JamesP81]

It's an absolutely bulletproof engine (it's a GM 350 4-bolt main)

So's the L98. And yes, they are bulletproof engines. My dad has a pickup that he swapped a used 350 into that he's been driving for 18 years. The 350 is easily the best internal combustion engine ever made, IMO.

One of the reasons I'm considering an L98, besides being cheaper, is that I *may* end up driving it for my commuter. Depends on how prohibitive it's going to be for me to insure two vehicles. I don't mind driving an older, non-collectible sports car on a daily basis, but I don't want to run the miles up on something newer and more valuable.

Originally, I didn't intend to get anything sporty at all, but my dad bought a 96 Vette off of Ebay. I flew with him to pick it up after he bought it--it was an 11 hour drive back home. I drove half that trip and I was hooked after that. The thing is actually very comfortable, responsive, and a blast to drive.

[JamesP81]

Yep, it's a Z06. Borla catbacks on her too

I bet it does. Both the old 350s and the new LS engines make absolutely the sweetest sounds when taking off. My dad's 96 Corvette has custom exhaust and it is a wonderful thing to listen to.

[bert]

Here's my Daimler smart vehicle......

[RS_Rider]

I agree, I ride a motorcycle that does not get quite 40 mpg and would like to commute in such a car when the weather does not permit motorcycling. I’m by no means a lefty and I think that the Smart is a neat looking alternative to an econobox.
I ride a BMW so I’m used to getting chastised about my choice in transportation. My ride to work (300+ miles/week) consists of back roads and that is primarily where I would like to use this vehicle. That would allow me to own a Dodge 2500 Ram and use it for what it’s intended for and go back and forth to work in an economical fashion year round.

[nkycincinnatikid]

Ohhh for goodness sakes! Maybe this is the neu auto for the geek squad. They have not even sold well in Europe .

[Pinkbell]

Have you driven one of these over in Germany?

[Redcloak]

Does it come with a Wii?

[KenHorse]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I can see the ZO6 badging on that second ride. I don't even begin to have that sort of money. Awesome machine, though.

Know what they say? It doesn't take money, just good credit

Seriously though, it's a 2002 and I bought her with 24K on her and about $10K below Bluebook for $27K.

As you see, she looks new. Not bad at all AND if I keep my foot out of it, 21 - 22 MPG around town and over 30 MPG (yes, over 30) on the highway.

Not bad for over 400 available horses, eh?