The 3,152 smart fortwos that Daimler has sold this year in Canada through the end of September represent a gain of 46% over the same period last year. That is the single largest year-on-year gain ever recorded in Canada. There are a number of reasons for the sales increase, with high fuel prices and the smart's low cost of entry being definite highlights. Additionally, the smart fortwo is the only non-hybrid car that qualifies for a rebate from the Canadian government's ecoAuto program (which expires after this year), something that certainly doesn't hurt.
"If somebody else would try to develop technical solutions which are as good, practical solutions which are as good, and to develop a brand which is as credible, then I say good luck," says Marcus Breitschwerdt, president and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz Canada. Perhaps luck won't be necessary. The time will come soon when the smart gets its first real microcar competitor in North America in the form of the Toyota iQ. The new Japanese entry (technically) seats twice as many occupants as its rival, though the smart does have a bit of a head-start in the market. It will be interesting to watch the two little cars fight it out on the sales floor. Thanks for the tip, Lee!
[Source: Fiancial Post]
"If somebody else would try to develop technical solutions which are as good, practical solutions which are as good, and to develop a brand which is as credible, then I say good luck," says Marcus Breitschwerdt, president and chief executive of Mercedes-Benz Canada. Perhaps luck won't be necessary. The time will come soon when the smart gets its first real microcar competitor in North America in the form of the Toyota iQ. The new Japanese entry (technically) seats twice as many occupants as its rival, though the smart does have a bit of a head-start in the market. It will be interesting to watch the two little cars fight it out on the sales floor. Thanks for the tip, Lee!
[Source: Fiancial Post]
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