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.

[cmsgop]

Have a cup of Lavazza™ for me!

[Bryan24]

40 MPG????

I’m doing that now in my 1993 Honda Civic 4-Door sedan. With 210,000 miles on it.

BTW, I’m 6’3” and 350

[Pinkbell]

Oh my gosh. I hope no one was in that car when that happened!

[OSHA]

My Italy Rental

[Cobra64]

If you think they are toys, go to Europe.

Most full size cars today would have been considered compact cars 40 years ago.

[JCEccles]

iCar? iBenz?

[Tijeras_Slim]

Most full size cars today would have been considered compact cars 40 years ago.

I saw a Corvair wagon yesterday, it was surprising how big it seemed. (It had a Nader bumper sticker, lot's of the Corvair folks do that.)

[JamesP81]

Nice...especially like the second one! 'Vettes are sweeeeeeeeeeeet!!

Yeah, just gotta come up with the money. I have a one car garage, so I got a place for the Vette to stay. If I get one, I'll probably keep my little Nissan for the work commute.

I'm partial to the C4 because it has the old Chevy 350 small block. Best internal combustion engine ever made, IMO.

[tacticalogic]

My favorite car is a Beemer

Isetta?

[txhurl]

Whacha doin’ in Milan?

[highball]

Sorry, I prefer not to be emasculated by my vehicle.

None of us need worry - our bigger cars aren't compensating for anything.   :p

[A. Morgan]

That video is as eye opener!

[Bob J]

Looks like a casket.

[texastoo]

Try this Chineze car.

http://www.cheryarmor.com/armor/main.jsp

A bullet proof Chery. The drug lords on the border will be happy about this car.

[reagan_fanatic]

Well, it's clear where they got their inspiration...

[red irish]

Can’t you see it instead of limos they all get out of the their ecco-friendly smart cars all dressed up in diamonds and furs. lol

[posterchild]

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_(automobile)

The project idea was originally started by Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch and was nicknamed the "Swatchmobile". The name SMART is an acronym for Swatch Mercedes ART

[tophat9000]

Yea I saw one on these little thing driving in my local area on So Cal last month...(testing I guess)

It seem ok but then again he was in the fast lane (but not going fast) holding up traffic and I had to pass him on the left

It you want one great but either keep up or stay right out of the way, else your going to be a speed bump it real world traffic

[taxed2death]

Ummmmmmmmmm

That would be a big fat no.

I’ll stick to my motorcycles. Much safer.