Does The Smart Car Only Fit An Itsy-Bitsy Niche?

Does The Smart Car Only Fit An Itsy-Bitsy Niche?
German automaker Daimler promised in 2004 to get its minuscule Smart car into U.S. showrooms in 2005, and has been hemming and hawing ever since about whether it would offer the half-a-parking-space-size Smart in America.

Smart dealers are signed up in 50 cities and will open in time for the early January introduction of the tiny Smart two-seater.

More than 75,000 people have attended Smart driving events in 50 cities. Smart USA President Dave Schembri says 92% of 40,000 surveyed afterward said they could see themselves driving a Smart.


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ZZZZZZZZ - 12/2/2007 4:14:28 AM
+2 Boost

true. it's called the Kei class. engine sizes from 360 - 660 cc. some turbocharged, and among most powerful 660 motors not actually used in racing cars.

the FIRST subaru and honda exports to the u.s. had 360 and 600 cc engines.

if MB doesn't get on the stick and bring the Smart to the U.S. market, some REALLY smart guy will bring japanese Kei cars here first!




ZZZZZZZZ - 12/2/2007 4:18:40 AM
+2 Boost
to properly answer the question, it/they will fill FAR MORE than just a tiny niche.

esp. if we see $4/gallon gas.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 11/30/2007 2:55:49 PM
-3 Boost
I live in Canada and it's scary how long it takes a big guy to get into its cramped quarters. it's a puny little death trap and Mercedes is watering down its image by selling it.


chrisplchrispl - 12/1/2007 4:31:54 PM
+2 Boost
To the fool that claimed Smarts are a death trap, watch this video, seen by over 5 million people:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju6t-yyoU8s

I'm 6'3 and 230 pounds and have had no trouble getting in or out. Surprisingly it's got more than enough room for two people.

Unless you're an obese whale then perhaps you ought to stick with the Continental.

And no one is marketing these cars to be used on Maine logging.

It is amazing how many stupid people there are.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 12/6/2007 6:53:11 PM
+1 Boost
Crispl, your self-confessed weight adds a significant weight penalty to a car that already has anemic power. Two big people would make it even worse. Mercedes and Volvo have been very good at creating a safety image but they cannot defy the laws of physics in a collision with an Escalade for example.

I say it's a nice toy for rich kids to drive around the estate with and that's about it. Maybe Mercedes could market it as a golf cart. I'm not flexible enough to twist my body in an out of it comfortably and I'm not alone.


chuck717chuck717 - 11/30/2007 12:55:16 PM
+4 Boost
This seems a tough call for me, a few years past and i would have said the car fails here but the way things are going now with the credit crunch, green, and oil prices plus the fact people are traveling maybe 10 to 15 miles then returning home this little monster just may have a chance of being the commuter car America wanted all a long but couldn't bring itself to buy?


chuck717chuck717 - 11/30/2007 1:05:17 PM
0 Boost
May i get a clairification from the posters out there, this car i thought had a fully automatic trans but it seems that is not the case. Do you people see a problem with this as to repairs and drivabilty especially for the ladies?


RupertRupert - 11/30/2007 4:00:46 PM
+4 Boost
Driveability for the ladies?????
Women can't drive manual transmissions???

Besides, this thing has a 5 speed semi-auto - a clutch-pedal-less manual.
Stick it in Drive or change gear yourself with the floor-mounted shifter.


chrisplchrispl - 12/1/2007 4:38:15 PM
+3 Boost
This is 2007, not 1957.


ParsecParsec - 11/30/2007 2:48:02 PM
+1 Boost
They'd probably sell a lot more of them here in Canada if they were renamed the Smart Two-four....


cRacKhEaDaLLeYcRacKhEaDaLLeY - 11/30/2007 5:45:50 PM
0 Boost
Two words: overpriced


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/1/2007 5:54:09 AM
+5 Boost
No

The crack you purchase might be overpriced.

The smart is not.


BillBill - 12/1/2007 7:33:17 AM
+2 Boost
LOL @ I95's comment!


chrisplchrispl - 12/1/2007 4:37:36 PM
+2 Boost
At 20K CAD it is a bit overpriced. As much as I like the car I think it would make more sense to buy an Echo.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/2/2007 2:06:06 AM
0 Boost
Echo? Are you kidding? At least a Honda Fit.

It's under $13K USD.


A4ORCEA4ORCE - 12/2/2007 2:48:20 PM
-1 Boost
Chrispl, it's not that the smart is overpriced, it's that you're living in a socialist country where that extra 7k is helping to go towards a half-ass government healthcare.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 12/1/2007 2:52:40 PM
+2 Boost
this car is really useful in NYC and other big cities. not me however.


chrisplchrispl - 12/1/2007 4:39:11 PM
+2 Boost
Which is exactly what it is meant for, a big city commute car.
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