smart-test-drive
Many of us are asking whether the Smart Fortwo launch, was a triumph, or a disappointment! Motor Trend stated "consider the lack of the smart fortwo's success." People either love or hate their Smarts and there's not much in-between, but on an objective basis we can't find fault with the use of the term "lack of smart success". This in no way however reduces our enthusiasm for the Smart or SCOA's continued optimism and anticipation for the long term success for the brand. We believe four-doors are not mandatory .
Motor Trend states "consider the lack of the smart fortwo's success." And many of our members and readers ask if the Smart’s USA launch, was a triumph, or a disappointment!
As North America’s oldest and largest smart car portal our slant is Americans either loves or they hate the Smart, and not much in-between. But on an objective basis Smart Car of America can’t find fault with the use of the term "lack of smart success". This in no way however reduces our enthusiasm for the Smart or SCOA's continued optimism and anticipation for the long term success for the brand.
But as far as the lack of the smart car success goes, after a strong start with 50,000 reservations (some say many more) the lack of available cars, failure to communicate with reservation holders and the tanking economy, there's now an abundance of stock is available.
Nevertheless, if we are to be honest with ourselves the smart is yet to be a major success not only in the US, but world-wide, and smart, GmbH was nothing but a money pit for Daimler over the past 10 years.
The very slow sales and the financial burdens are also being felt in America by our Penske smart centers. Considering the smart center dealers with their freestanding buildings, fees, and long waits for inventory hurt many of the dealers who invested large sums of cash (during a far greater economy) for the privilege of selling the smart, their returns have been discouraging.
1-promotions-smart-usa
Smart sales for the past month averaged approximately 3 cars per week per smart center, not quite what Penske envisioned and the smart centers had bet on! Some smart centers did far worse.
There is no doubt the sales base is diminutive, many of the published reviews (with little to no explanation from smart USA) have been negative and smart USA and their smart centers lacked the communication skills Smart car buyers needed for these innovative cars.
However, it's hard to gauge the success of the Smart Fortwo with traditional methods! None-the-less gas prices and the terrible economy have impacted sales.
Smart USA and Penske wouldn't be opening any champagne bottles, any time soon. But, we do think it's a bit premature for anyone to insinuate that the smart is unsuccessful. Like anything else it's a long drive to the end of a journey.
For the naysayers, there have been over 35,000 smarts sold in the U.S. not bad for a new niche model launched at the beginning of the worst economic downturn since 1929.
Penske initially stated he hoped to sell 10,000 units per year and then he moved quickly when the first year's demand hit almost 25,000 cars. He also stated he'd hoped to sell 25,000 this year as well. It looks like it will be more in-line with the 13,000. They're still ahead of their original projections.
Not too bad given our economy, the drop in fuel prices and the fact the smart USA group dropped the ball and upset many possible future buyers. Smart Car world wide sales for the first 8 months of 2009 were 78,600 units and sales for August were off 23% with sales of only 7000 units world wide.
Those not waiting for a Smart Fortwo electric drive model and still long to drive a great city car like a Smart Fortwo this could be the perfect opportunity.
Times have changed, as supply and demand for the Smart Fortwo in the U.S. have leveled off and as fuel prices dropped from their all time highs smart USA’s smart centers are full of 2009 inventory. This is evident by the money saving offers and bargains available through smart USA and if you’re a skillful shopper some unbeatable prices on barely driven 2008 and 2009 smart cars. Just check out the available used smarts on the SCOA forum or EBay! Like a 2009 Smart Fortwo Brabus with Carlsson upgrades that sold for $15,000!
brabus-smart-used
According to an email from our local smart center now through December 31, 2009, anyone (without a $99.00 deposit) can have a payment for as little as $198 a month with 1.9% APR financing. Smart USA is also offering numerous additional money saving offers. During what smart USA is calling smart Value Days if you take a test drive (great idea before you buy any car) you'll receive a gift from the smart USA Collection of personal accessories. You’ll need to call or visit your local smart center for details.
Monday, May 24, 2010
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With gas prices getting out of hand, consumers are taking a closer look at Hybrid Cars:
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buy new car
• Select your vehicle you want
• We will find the BEST prices
• A local dealer will contact you
• You re under NO OBLIGATION.
financing
Don't pay too much for your new car until you research your best finance options... AUTO FINANCING
buy used car
Find a USED Car - 400,000+ listings, updated daily - Also, post your car for sale! USED CARS
new car pricing
Shop around for your best Insurance Quotes and Extended Warranties INSURANCE WARRANTY
Top Requested New Cars for May 24, 2010:
Updated on 5/24/2010 3:58:12 AM
A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server)Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at CarDataCaching.topcarscode.Page_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e)
CarDataCaching
Top Requested Cars for Month Of May 2010:
Updated on 5/24/2010 3:58:12 AM
A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server)Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at CarDataCaching.topcarscode.Page_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e)
CarDataCaching
Free Car Quotes Features and Guides:
The new 2006 Honda Civic line is most definitely going to be one of, if not the hottest selling car line of the year.
2006 Honda Civic"If you're looking for a practical and refined car with a little sporty flair, this one is very hard to beat."—Car and Driver
Check out the 2006 Honda Civic Section. There you will find links to the Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Si and Civic Hybrid. All include reviews specs, trims, colors, MSPR and Photo Gallery.
Ready to buy? Click here to get your Below Invoice Quote on a Honda Civic
Check out the hottest car of the year so far... The 2006 Dodge Charger.
2006 Dodge Charger"The V-6's agreeable performance means that you can buy an inexpensive Dodge Charger and get the cool looks and full-size accommodations without feeling as if the car won't get out of its own way."— USA Today
Check out the 2006 Dodge Charger Photo Gallery, 2006 Dodge Charger Specs & Colors
Ready to buy? Click here to get your Below Invoice Quote on a Dodge Charger
With gas prices getting out of hand, consumers are taking a closer look at Hybrid Cars:
2006 Hybrid CarsThe benefits range from higher gas mileage to better emissions for the environment. We have listed the current Hybird Cars currently on the market. Included in the section are the Hybrids: Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Hybrid & Insight, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Lexus RX400h & Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Ready to buy? Click here to get your Below Invoice Car Quote on a Hybrid Car
Looking for New Car Incentives? Click here.
About FreeCarQuotes.net
If you are in the market to Buy a New Car, or even a Used Car, FreeCarQuotes.net is the place you need to be. With an association with all the internet's largest new car dealership networks, you are guaranteed to find the best deals on your new car purchase. Buying a car has never been easier and more enjoyable than in today's world. You will have to go no place else than here - If we can't get you the best dealer pricing on your next new car- most likely, no one will.
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