Successor model in 2008
Shortly after G&K started selling the U.S.-converted smarts, Mercedes announced that Penske’s United Auto Group, an automotive retailer, would develop a dealership network across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In 2008, they plan to sell the successor to the smart fortwo at an estimated price under $15,000.
“With volatile gas prices, increased congestion in urban areas, and the fact American consumers are purchasing smaller cars more frequently, 2008 is the right time for smart in the USA,” says Ken Kettenbeil, director, communications, smart USA.
In the meantime, Hybrid Technologies is taking orders for an alternative smart fortwo. The alternative is lithium-powered, battery- operated, and has zeroemissions. Hundreds of orders are coming in, and “Ninety percent of them are from the demographic of 50-plus—university professors and empty nesters,” says Richard Griffiths, business development director at Hybrid Technologies. “People feel like they are investing in their future when they buy this car.”
Penske’s United Auto Group believes the vehicles will be a big hit in the U.S. with first time buyers, young professionals without children, empty nesters, and baby boomers. DaimlerChrysler’s research shows the largest group of current drivers is 38 years old without children.
“If a household is made up of one or two people, it allows for quick trips to the grocery store, church, the gym, wherever an individual is going,” says Kettenbeil. “And it’s a fun vehicle to drive.”
Smart drivers get a lot of attention. “It’s like driving a giant smiley face down the street. People get a great joy out of seeing the car,” says Gaus. “If you are buying it because you want to be noticed, then we encourage you. You will get more attention driving this car down the street than you could with any other car, at any other price.”
A seller of import and luxury vehicles, Prestige Imports, in Randallstown, Md., has sold a dozen of the U.S.-converted smarts over one month. “Eleven of the 12 were sold to companies or people who decided to put their websites or advertising logo on it, and drive it around and use it as a billboard,” says Tom Markids, owner of Prestige.
Safety features
Because of its size, the car looks questionable when it comes to safety, but it received a three-star (out of five) crash test rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme. With several safety features like airbags and anti lock brakes, it also incorporates something called a “tridion safety cell.”
According to DaimlerChrysler, the safety cell creates a frame around the car—like the shell of a walnut—to protect its occupants. Made of solid steel, the cell forms a roll cage around the passengers. “If the vehicle were involved in an impact, it takes the energy and distributes it in different parts of the tridion safety cell,” Kettenbeil says.
If the smart fortwo is hit from the side, the other car will almost always hit a wheel. The short wheelbase allows the suspension components to absorb some of the crash energy.
Additionally, the car has the Mercedes-Benz developed Electronic Stability Program (ESP). “In the event that the car begins to skid or swerve, ESP automatically kicks on and controls the engine throttle, which will allow the car to slow down and add some balance to a wheel or the side of the car that needs some extra stability,” says Kettenbeil.
The future of smart
No one can predict the future of smart in the U.S., but according to a Consumer Reports survey from 2006, if fuel prices continue to climb in the years ahead, the automotive landscape will continue to shift away from large vehicles to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. And smart cars will be ready to hit the roads.
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