Autoblog

Squint Really Hard: Smart ForTwo gets modest update

Zach Bowman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Smart, Design/Style

Smart has put the ForTwo under the knife in an attempt to give the maligned A-segment vehicle a few more years of life. The ForTwo now wears a smarter-looking revised fascia with a bolder Smart emblem, more expansive grille and redesigned lower valance. The front clip is paired with more defined rockers and a similarly restyled rear valance. Throw in a few more wheel options and the package helps freshen the vehicle quite a bit. Unfortunately, engineers left the engine bay alone. That means buyers will still be met with the same abysmal engine lineup and automated manual transmission found in the current vehicle.

Smart plans to continue to offer five option packages, including Brabus and Brabus Xclusive. The refreshed ForTwo will land in dealers in the UK in April, with U.S. sales commencing shortly thereafter as a 2013 model.

Word has it the next-generation ForTwo won't see the light of day for another two years at least. Will the 2013 nip/tuck draw enough buyers into show rooms to keep Smart afloat until then? We imagine it won't hurt, but the company is facing increased competition from big players like Scion and Chevrolet, and its sales numbers are terrible to begin with. Vehicles like the the more efficient iQ and the Spark probably won't help the ForTwo's chances. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Squint Really Hard: Smart ForTwo gets modest update

Squint Really Hard: Smart ForTwo gets modest update originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Kobe Bryant uses Smart Fortwo Brabus to catch art thief

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Smart, Celebrities

Kobe Bryant saves the day in Smart Fortwo Brabus - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Smart brand, looking for a sales lift in China, has enlisted the lanky likes of Kobe Bryant for its "Big, In The City" ad campaign. A newly released video has the internationally known NBA star assuming the role of a quick thinking/driving man of both style and action with a keen sense of aim.

With the aid of a shiny black Smart Fortwo Brabus that he - or perhaps a stunt double - throws around corners and through traffic, Kobe comes to the aid of a damsel in distress with flair as he chases down an art thief and utilizes his on-court abilities to administer a chase-ending coup de grâce.

The campaign will reportedly undertake a 25-city Chinese road trip, the highlight of which is an appearance by the Los Angeles Lakers star at a Smart customer party in July. Hit the jump for some Smart Brabus and Bryant action.

[Source: Advertising @ Chinasmack]

Continue reading Video: Kobe Bryant uses Smart Fortwo Brabus to catch art thief

Video: Kobe Bryant uses Smart Fortwo Brabus to catch art thief originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Smart ForSpeed Concept is urban green toplessness

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Smart, Electric

Smart ForSpeed Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here we have the none-too-speedy Smart ForSpeed concept. Well, perhaps that's not quite fair, as the diminutive Smart actually is plenty quick enough for its intended mission, which is to say it's fully capable of jetting between urban skyscrapers while dodging taxi cabs and pedestrians.

Want hard numbers? Smart claims the roofless ForSpeed can hit (a seemingly arbitrary) 37 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds on its way up to a top speed of 75 mph. Perhaps more importantly, Smart estimates its little electric mobile unit has a range of 85 miles per charge and that an 80-percent charge is possible in just 45 minutes.

Naturally, there's a whole press release of details that can be found after the break, along with a high-res image gallery of live photos below.

Gallery: Smart Forspeed Concept: Geneva 2011

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Smart ForSpeed Concept is urban green toplessness

Geneva 2011: Smart ForSpeed Concept is urban green toplessness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #217

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Etc., Chevrolet, GMC, Infiniti, Smart

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

We're recording the slightly belated Episode #217 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we've put some topics below. Drop us your own feedback and questions or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #217

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #217 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Nissan-based four-door Smart scrapped

Zach Bowman — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Smart

Smart/Nissan Collaboration sketch - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hot on the heels of the news that Penske and Smart have split comes word that the Smart/Nissan collaboration is dead. Automotive News is reporting that the project, which was intended to yield a four-door model built off of a Nissan platform and sold under the Smart banner, won't be happening. The reason is simple enough; if Smart had continued to blaze its own trail here in America, it would have needed at least one additional model to support itself. Now that it's part of the Mercedes-Benz network, that need has been diminished significantly.

Meanwhile, there's some concern that a separate Nissan/Renault collaboration project called the Quattro may be axed as well. With the slaughter of multiple projects and Penske walking away, more than a few minds have begun to wonder if this is the end for Smart in the Land of the Free. According to the Automotive News report, however, Roger Penske says that's not the case.

Penske said that the fact that Smart is being handed off to Mercedes-Benz is nothing compared to the death of Hummer or Mercury, and that his company simply didn't have the volume or marketing muscle to push Smart effectively.

Either way, AN says that the transition to Benz dealerships means that the Smart dealership network will shrink significantly, leaving just 58 dealers across the country. That's because 21 Smart showrooms that aren't paired with Mercedes models won't get to keep their franchises.

Gallery: New Nissan/Smart Small Car Sketch

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Nissan-based four-door Smart scrapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: With two new models coming, "There is a future for Smart"

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Hatchback, Smart

2011 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive - Click above for high-res image gallery

Smart has delivered its first ForTwo Electric Drive and the 2011 ForTwo is equipped with a suite of first-time features such as cruise control, navigation and eight airbags. But no matter the advances heaped upon the brand's sole ambasador now, the question many have is: does it have a future?

"There is a commitment to the Smart brand by Smart USA and Daimler's also committed," Rick Bourgoise, Smart's Director of Communications, tells Autoblog. "There are two paths to product expansion: the Daimler alliance with Nissan-Renault to provide a small car platform as part of the next Smart ForTwo as well as a four-seat model to arrive mid-decade." That car could be, or at least have something to do with, the scale model four-door ForTwo+2 spied recently in Europe. That car is being engineered by Mercedes-Benz and built by Daimler.

"That was good in the near term," said Bourgoise, "but we needed additional product in the short term." When he says "we," he's referring to Smart USA, which is Penske's distributorship operation that has the U.S. and Puerto Rico territories for Smart.

"Smart USA agreed with Nissan of the Americas to get a five-door, five-seat hatch that will arrive sometime in Q4 of 2011." That car refers to the Memorandum of Understanding that Smart signed with Nissan for a B-segment entrant last October. That means the car has officially been given the go-ahead. The platform is assumed to be that of the Micra, since it's "a global vehicle for Nissan that's not selling" here, and they're putting it together in one year. The design of that car is a collaboration between Smart and Nissan, but "it will be a Smart, will have Smart styling cues and stay true to those brand attributes," such as a tiny footprint and high efficiency and recyclability. Burgoise also confirmed "it will come in a standard manual and automatic transmissions." Bourgoise tells AB the unnamed car will be revealed sometime in late Q1 or Q2.

Gallery: 2011 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive: First Drive

Chicago 2011: With two new models coming, "There is a future for Smart" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW, Mercedes experiment with upscale car-sharing

Zach Bowman — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

If you think that joining in on the car-sharing party means that you'll be stuck behind the wheel of a low-buck auto, prepare to be amazed. According to AutoWeek, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz are diving into the car-sharing world with programs designed to allow users to experience a slice of luxury without having to foot the hassles associated with car ownership. BMW on Demand will provide drivers with a 1 Series for as little as €16 per hour in Europe (around $21 USD/hr). Those wanting a little more room can opt for a 5 Series for the low price of €23/hr ($30/hr), including servicing and cleaning.

Daimler, meanwhile, is working on a similar program in both Austin, Texas and Ulm, Germany, though that program will serve up products from the company's Smart line. Users can reserve trim levels and colors on line or by phone, use the vehicle for as long as they like and drop it off in convenient car-sharing parking spaces. The time behind the wheel is automatically calculated and the user's bank account automatically debited.

Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz are delving into car-sharing to confront a growing lack of interest in ownership from younger generations and increased traffic in urban settings, even though some research has shown that the use of a single shared vehicle can contribute to the loss of as many as nine to 15 personal cars.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: BMW, Mercedes experiment with upscale car-sharing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 19 teenage girls cram into Smart ForTwo for new world record

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Smart

19 girls in a Smart Fortwo - Click above to watch the video after the break

It's the question that's been racking the brains of the best and brightest the world over, and finally, we have an answer: 19. No, it's not the answer to life, the universe and everything... it's the number of teenage girls that have managed to cram themselves inside a Smart Fortwo in Pakistan.

Because you're dying to know, we'll gladly inform you that the previous record, set in Australia, saw 18 girls - crucially one fewer than 19 - poke and prod their way into a Fortwo. Naturally, the event was witnessed by representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records, so we can all expect to see the new record in the next installment of the group's massive book of ridiculous achievements.

Video? Come on now, did you really have to ask? Find it after the break. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: ePakistanNews via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 19 teenage girls cram into Smart ForTwo for new world record

Video: 19 teenage girls cram into Smart ForTwo for new world record originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Banned Smart ad sells using fear of back seats?

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Smart, Humor

Smart ForTwo preys on your back-seat fears - Click above for video after the jump

Are you afraid of getting into your car late at night, only to look in the rearview mirror and see a face staring back at you that isn't yours? Don't lie - we all have those random, irrational fears which are all but unfounded. Capitalizing on just such a fear, Daimler's Smart produced a commercial which preyed on those fears and closed with a clever tagline espousing the fact that Smart ForTwos don't have a back seat.

The ad was a huge hit in Germany, where it was originally slated to run during the trailers in movie theaters. It garnered such approval that it eventually made its way into television spots throughout Europe and has now ended up on Youtube as a "banned" ad. As we understand it, though, the ad wasn't banned, it just never aired in the States. The 'banned" moniker should help it earn some views, but the commercial is good enough on its own to warrant viewing.

See for yourself after you turn on the lights, check behind you and make the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Continue reading Video: Banned Smart ad sells using fear of back seats?

Video: Banned Smart ad sells using fear of back seats? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Focus Group: Just 8.1% of NY Smart Fortwo owners would buy again. San Francisco? 19.8%

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Smart

2009 Smart Fortwo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Perhaps the most telling statistics of the merits or demerits of a new vehicle may be from owners who have driven that machine for a number of months. By that time, the new-car smell is beginning to wear off and the various positive and negative aspects of the car in question are just starting to be burned into the owner's psyche.

With that in mind, we were totally blown away with news from CNW Marketing Research that just 8.1 percent of Smart Fortwo owners in New York would buy the car again. You might expect that New Yorkers, at least those living in the city, would get the best possible impression of their little urban machines since that's the environment the Fortwo was designed for.

It strikes us as odd, then, that 19.8 percent of owners in San Francisco say they'd buy the car again. While better than that of New York, that's still an absolutely abysmal statistic. To put it into perspective, the lowest scoring nameplate from owners who were asked a similar question by Consumer Reports is the much-unloved Chrysler Sebring sedan, with 37 percent answering in the affirmative.

Those who have driven a Smart Fortwo likely already know the biggest peeve cited by owners: the transmission. It's not an automatic, really, but it's also not quite a real manual. You see, the Fortwo has an 'automated manual' gearbox that has a real clutch and gears like a manual but no actual clutch pedal for the driver to operate. Instead, it's all controlled by computers and servos. Poorly. This design may be good for fuel economy, but it's very bad for drivers looking to coax some smoothness from their pint-sized rides.

For what it's worth, you can read our full review of the diminutive Fortwo here. Yes, we excoriate its transmission too (along with its so-so fuel economy and pricy nature). Sadly, there won't be a new transmission coming to the Fortwo any time soon - neither Smart's budget nor its architecture will allow for the easy development of a conventional manual or automatic. Instead, Smart is putting all of its eggs in the electric car basket, which it says will offer a smoother drive than its gasoline-powered sibling. One can only hope.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sebastian Blanco / AOL

[Source: MSNBC]

Focus Group: Just 8.1% of NY Smart Fortwo owners would buy again. San Francisco? 19.8% originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Smart to reveal electric scooter at Paris Motor Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Smart, Motorcycle, Rumormill, Electric

When you're already known for producing what basically amounts to the smallest vehicle currently available for public consumption, what do you do for an encore presentation? Go even smaller, of course. In the case of the Smart brand, that means cutting the total wheel count in half. That's right, a scooter.

According to Autocar, Daimler's littlest auto brand is planning to debut a new plug-in electric scooter at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. According to a "senior Mercedes-Benz official":

Smart was originally established to tackle the need for improved mobility, especially in congested city environments. Up to now we have concentrated our efforts on four-wheel solutions. The next stage is to look at how to expand beyond this with other environmentally friendly vehicles.

If true, this electric scooter may be seen as a response to longtime German rival BMW's efforts in the two-wheeled arena. In fact, BMW recently showed off an electric scooter concept of its own called the C1-E, which was based on its previous production C1 covered scooter.

Just one last question: What are the chances this electric scooter will be called the ForOne?

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Smart to reveal electric scooter at Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Style your Smart" contest elicits 50,000(!) design ideas

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Smart, Design/Style

Daimler rang in the new year with an online design contest called "Style your Smart." Apparently, the idea of decorating a virtual Smart Fortwo appeals to a lot of people, since 50,000 design ideas we submitted by over 8,000 people from 100+ countries. The winner, pictured above, was submitted by Tamir Shefer from Jaffa, Israel. For his entry, Shefer will get €1,500 (about $2,000 USD) and had his car described on the contest website as:

The winner of the contest meets the philosophy of the brand perfectly and encourages the observer to open his mind. You cannot miss this car due to the artistically high level. It combines the joy of life, humanity and the spirit of the city in a modern, fresh and graphically convincing way. It is urban and human friendly at the same time and shows that cars and humans do belong together.

Not bad. Contest participants could also win cash awards for being active on the company's website, and three other designs drove off with some prize money. All told, Daimler gave out just €5000 (@ $6,800 USD) and received a lot of fan exposure for the money. Well played.

[Source: Smart]

Continue reading "Style your Smart" contest elicits 50,000(!) design ideas

"Style your Smart" contest elicits 50,000(!) design ideas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart move? Daimler reportedly teams with Renault for next-gen minicar

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Hatchback, Nissan, Smart, Renault, Electric

2009 Smart Fortwo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Daimler brain trust of Dieter Zetsche and Thomas Weber has reportedly struck a deal with Renault/Nissan to develop its next generation of minicars due out in 2014 or so. As you would expect, Daimler will get a new Smart Fortwo out of the deal while the Franco-Japanese conglomerate will use the design for unknown future models that could bear both the Nissan and Renault nameplates.

According to Automobile Magazine, Daimler insisted on retaining the Smart brand's trademark rear-engine and rear-wheel drive configuration, which was somewhat understandably met with some trepidation by Renault. Also held over will likely be the steel safety cage design with interchangeable plastic body panels so the resulting vehicles will be safe and easily distinguishable from each other.

Not surprisingly, electric powertrains will be part of the mix, along with a newly developed 1.0-liter direct injected three-cylinder engine and a duo of 1.3- and 1.5-liter fours. The modular chassis may also be lengthened in order to spawn a new four-seat Fourfour and a taller Formore micro-minivan with sliding doors.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Smart move? Daimler reportedly teams with Renault for next-gen minicar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visually Challenged: Daimler encourages you to design your own Smart, results vary

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Smart, Design/Style

Carneval Smart ForTwo - Click above to try your hand at styleyoursmart.com

Not digging the Smart ForTwo's two-color paint palette? Think you can do better? You're in luck. Daimler, Smart's German parent company, has announced a contest where customers and budding designers can customize their own ForTwo. Hit up styleyoursmart.com and you can... well, style your Smart.

You have until February 23rd to post your own smarty-pants design, and the winners will be announced three days later. America's tiniest automaker promises prizes totaling about $7,200 (€5,000), which, we imagine, is plenty of money to turn your design into a reality... assuming you already own a ForTwo.

At this point, the contest has just begun and there don't seem to be too many contestants just yet, so we grabbed the most colorful option for our lead image above. We briefly considered plastering our own Fortwo with the Autoblog logo, but thought better of it. Perhaps if they'd finally fix that transmission... Press release after the break.

[Source: Smart]

Continue reading Visually Challenged: Daimler encourages you to design your own Smart, results vary

Visually Challenged: Daimler encourages you to design your own Smart, results vary originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget Zipcar - Smart reportedly readying car2go car-sharing program in Texas

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hatchback, Smart

Steers and Smarts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Daimler announced in March it would bring the tiny Smart car to the big state of Texas through its car-sharing service car2go. At the time, the German automaker declared that entering the Austin market with 200 ForTwos was "the next logical step." Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche now thinks that the car share program is also a good way to boost sales numbers, which have dropped recently.

Smart's U.S. sales were down 70.4 percent last month compared to October 2008, and only 661 ForTwos were sold in the U.S. last month. In Austin, as in the first car2go location of Ulm, Germany, the shared cars will initially only be available to city employees. Expansion to other residents - and then to other cities - is expected once the demand is there. Make that if demand is there.

Gallery: smart fortwo in Texas and Germany

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Forget Zipcar - Smart reportedly readying car2go car-sharing program in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart, or Stupid? Teenager cooks up Michael Jackson microcar tribute

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Celebrities

Eric Callisto read the reactions from Michael Jackson fans and decided that the city-sponsored Los Angeles memorial service wasn't enough. So, like any web entrepreneur the Logansport, Indiana native created a site to serve that outpouring.

At Ultimate MJ Tribute, fans of the King of Pop can remember him by having their names written on a Smart Fortwo. They will also get their names on the website itself, and supposedly get a personalized flower delivered to Jackson's memorial - in that very same Smart - every year. And all for the low, low price of $10.

Of course, there are a lot of details left out: there is no information on the site about how this is all supposed to work, and site only has two real links on it, one of them to Paypal, one of them to a contact form. The other links are for Digg, Tweet, and sharing. It isn't even clear if Mr. Callisto owns or has a Smart. And based on the worldwide reaction to MJ's death, to pick one of the smallest cars in the world as a billboard tribute strikes us as a bit odd. But after all, an idea might be priceless, but a domain name is only a few dollars...

[Source: Ultimate MJ Tribute via Inside Line]

Smart, or Stupid? Teenager cooks up Michael Jackson microcar tribute originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #135

Dan Roth — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Podcasts, Government/Legal, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #135 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. Chris, Sam and Dan took time out to chat about GM's fast-moving reorganization, Smart's dubious $99/month deal, raising gas taxes as a better way to increase fuel economy, and Shunk's new car dilemma. To wrap up, we hit a question, and that's it - a nice, tidy 65-minute affair. Tell us how we're doing by filling out our survey, if you haven't already, and we'll see you next week. In the meantime, you can drop us a note at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #135

Autoblog Podcast #135 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fortwo 4 Less: Smart offers first incentives in U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Smart, Earnings/Financials

2008 Smart Fortwo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Penske Automotive Group, distributors of the Smart Fortwo here in the United States, recorded an impressive 24,622 total sales of the diminutive city car in 2008 and dealers widely reported that they could have sold even more had they been available. With that in mind, the nascent company set what seemed at the time like a realistic sales target for 25,000 units in 2009. That may have been a bit optimistic.

So far this year, Smart USA has sold just 7,451 Fortwos, which is down nearly 16% over the first five months of 2008. May sales, though, were down an alarming 56.6% to 1,169 units. To stem the rushing tide of order cancellations and slow sales, Penske has decided to offer its first-ever incentives on the Fortwo. From now until the end of July, buyers may qualify for 4.2% financing through Daimler Financial Services for the purchase of a new 2009 Smart Fortwo.

If this incentive has a positive impact on sales, expect it to be extended a bit longer. Further, Penske is considering making it possible for dealerships to order new cars without accepting the refundable $99 reservation from a customer that's currently required, which could have the desirable effect of placing more new vehicles on dealer lots for buyers to choose from.

Gallery: smart fortwo

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Fortwo 4 Less: Smart offers first incentives in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on

Chris Paukert — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saturn, Earnings/Financials

Confirming a report we posted on earlier today, General Motors has reached a preliminary agreement to handover the Saturn marque to the Penske Automotive Group. In GM's official statement after the jump, the automaker says that the memorandum of understanding would entitle Penske to the brand's 350+ dealerships, the rights to the name and its associated iconography, as well as continued production of the Aura, Vue, and Outlook on a contract basis. As expected, the dormant Astra hatchback and the rakish Sky roadster will apparently not make the transition. No financial terms of the deal have been released.

As reported earlier today by The New York Times, that abbreviated Saturn lineup will likely be joined by vehicles procured from other overseas automakers, potentially Renault's Samsung Motors division in Korea. It is not immediately clear if Penske will use the opportunity to pair existing Saturn stores with the company's other automotive distribution channel, Smart.

According to GM, the agreement is expected to be consummated in the third quarter of this year, pending the necessary paperwork shuffling between the two companies and the federal government. Check out the official press release after the jump

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on

Confirmed: GM and Penske outline deal for Saturn - Aura, Vue, Outlook to live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SmartForFiveOh: Small Florida town employs Smart police cruiser

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Government/Legal, Smart, Police/Emergency

Belle Isle Police Chief John Tegg with his new Smart ForTwo Police Cruiser

When your Police Chief is six-feet tall and weighs 280 pounds, you might consider it cruel and unusual punishment to issue him a Smart fortwo as his police cruiser. But that is exactly what the folks in Belle Isle, Florida have done. Heck, if it's good enough for Batman, it's good enough for Belle Isle, right? According to the Orlando Sentinel, Chief John Tegg insists that he's perfectly comfortable once he gets situated inside - at least physically. "One fella told me he's not sure he'd pull over for this little thing," Tegg said. "I said you'd better if you know what's good for you."

The fledgling police department in this small Orange County town claims that this is the first Smart pressed into constabulary duty in America. While we can't verify that claim, the Belle Isle force plans on using the vehicle for patrols. However, with no backseat, Tegg admits there is room for little more than a ticket book, so the good chief will have to call for backup if someone needs to be hauled off to jail. Showing that they at least have a healthy sense of humor about the situation, the squad has issued the car a unit number of "point-five" - as in half a car. We're calling it Smart ForFiveOh, or Smart ForPoPo. Anything else come to mind? We're sure you can come up with something better. Thanks for the tip and pics, David!

Gallery: Smart Police Cruiser

[Source: Orlando Sentinel / Photos: phabulousphotos]

SmartForFiveOh: Small Florida town employs Smart police cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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