Will Consumers Get Smart?

Jan. 1, 2020

DIAMOND BAR, CA (Feb. 21, 2007) - According to a recent report from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Smart USA will be accepting reservations from consumers who are interested in buying its ForTwo vehicle in early 2008 ...

NEW VEHICLESWill Consumers Get Smart? DIAMOND BAR, CA (Feb. 21, 2007) - According to a recent report from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Smart USA will be accepting reservations from consumers who are interested in buying its ForTwo vehicle in early 2008.

The 2008 Smart ForTwo coupe.
(Photo: DaimlerChrysler)For $99, buyers will get to specify the packages and colors that they want, thus giving Smart USA an idea of what future demand will look like. The company says it will then turn reservations over to 50 to 60 qualified dealers in 30 to 35 different markets across the country. Starting price for the 2008 Smart ForTwo is expected to be less than $15,000. Smart USA recently met with about 400 prequalified dealers that will later have to apply for a franchise this month in order to sell the ForTwo. Smart USA anticipates high levels of personalization to take place among ForTwo buyers because it will offer interchangeable door panels, foil wraps and performance packages. Consumers can already purchase this vehicle in Chicago from independent distributor Windy City Smart Car and Smart Car Midwest LLC, Palatine, IL. The car's introduction to Chicago comes a year or two ahead of Smart ForTwo's official entry into the United States.

The 2008 Smart ForTwo cabriolet.
(Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

The Smart ForTwo, a collaboration between Swatch and Mercedes, is manufactured to be compliant with both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation for Windy City Smart Car and Smart Car Midwest at a Los Angeles conversion company.

The ForTwo boasts a 50 miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency using 87 octane regular gasoline, and the car is electronically governed to obtain speeds of 85 miles per hour.

Among its safety features is a sophisticated Tridion hemispherical steel safety cell for passenger protection. This hard shell surrounds the car's occupants like a walnut, with an energy-absorbing system of longitudinal and transverse structural members. The steering column electronically retracts telescopically upon impact, to help minimize the likelihood of injury.

Windy City Smart Car and Smart Car Midwest list the Smart ForTwo coupe for $26,850, including CD radio, air conditioning and a four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty; driver's side and passenger side air bags are standard. The cabriolet model lists for $29,800.

(Source: SEMA)