Mercedes To Relaunch SMART - But Will The Brand EVER Gain Traction?

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz is relaunching the Smart car in the United States, where the two-seater has ardent fans but too few buyers.

Mercedes launched a national TV ad campaign this week promoting the boxy Fortwo as the answer for people "right-sizing" their lives and reducing their energy consumption.

"It's asking people to think about what they need," said Tracey Matura, general manager of Smart, part of Daimler AG's Mercedes car division.

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Fijian - 9/20/2011 5:10:06 PM

+5 Boost

Compared to their size their gas mileage sucks besides they only carry 2 people.I dont know if you will survive in a freeway crash in it.

Steve - 9/20/2011 6:03:16 PM

+3 Boost

The car with a lot of attitude, a crash rating similar to a Mercedes E class, mediocre fuel economy, and... a premium price tag. Who was this designed for? Cut the price in half and you have a winner!

Willis - 9/20/2011 6:45:14 PM

-2 Boost

Crash rating similar to the Mercedes E class? The E class is one of the safest cars in its class. Cut the bullshit, will you?

Steve - 9/20/2011 11:09:20 PM

+2 Boost

@Willis: Google is your friend.

bfghemicuda - 9/20/2011 7:22:34 PM

+2 Boost

The smart car would be better suited as a plumb-bob.

t_bone - 9/20/2011 10:04:42 PM

+4 Boost

It's just awful. The air molecules hate its stubby shape too so it gets crappy mileage.

SteedPub - 9/20/2011 11:40:57 PM

+3 Boost

Smart will NEVER take off in the US as along as you can buy a REAL CAR for the same money and also one that gets the same mileage per gallon. Cute is cool, but it does not sell a car if that is all you get.

If they sold one of the models they offer in Europe that can get 70 mpg, then they would take off even if they cost more. But as long as it only gets 40 mpg or costs $14,000 people will choose a real car with a back seat over the perceived lack of safety and value the Smart has.

FromThePassengerSeat - 9/20/2011 11:52:13 PM

+2 Boost

The Smart is a car for those who mistakenly think it gets better mileage than a Prius, which is faster, a 5-seater, and capable of carrying a vast amount more luggage. These shocking statistics are why this ad is completely devoid of information or any solid reason to buy it.

Hilarious Car and Driver review of the Smart ED (and yes, you read correctly. It stands for Electric Drive).

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q3/2011_smart_fortwo_electric_drive-short_take_road_test

USNA1999 - 9/21/2011 6:05:24 AM

+2 Boost

Dear MB: Just get rid of the SMART Brand! Take a loss and move on. Smart continues to have a negative impact on Daimler's profits. Why do they want to keep this alive? I don't get it!

dumpsty - 9/21/2011 12:05:54 PM

+2 Boost

Daimler should close the smart brand & force M-B to focus on it's smaller models.

I think M-B thinks they can leverage costs by offering the A-, B- class and the Smart cars in the US. On thing is, considering it's exterior design, the Smart won't be seen as luxury vehicle (as priced). It really should cost about half of what they're currently asking.

M-B should just partner with FIAT or BMW to share costs for a small car.

Yonder7 - 9/21/2011 8:01:03 AM

+2 Boost

Willis: I am an MB Fan but he is right, the MB E class is rated as acceptable (but that apply to previous version) which is better than the 5 series in the previous version which was rated as marginal. The new E is rated as top pick in security, for the 5 I still can't say cause I have no data yet.

Caraficionado - 9/21/2011 10:48:18 AM

+1 Boost

Lots of Fiat 500s in NYC lately.

Re the Smart, even as a MB fan I've always been dissapointed at a car that should be making almost double the miles for its size, looks, performance, etc...

Fijian - 9/21/2011 2:48:35 PM

-2 Boost

Get a Cruze instead.When did you get yours Eldard or you are cying because you cannot afford one.

knowitall1985 - 9/23/2011 11:06:37 AM

+2 Boost

They are changing the name to DUMB that will help it sell more.....