We know that smart sold over 20,000 units of the fortwo in the US this year, so it's proven to be a popular car for its market. In LA last month, we saw the new Brabus edition and now we can get our own pics of an electric smart fortwo when the doors to the Detroit Auto Show open in about two weeks. The details of this vehicle, which debuted in second-generation form at the Paris Motor Show, will likely be exactly the same, but 150 miles from a full charge of the lithium-ion battery pack isn't something we need to see changed right away. We can only assume the number will increase once on-street testing of the electric fortwo - which is happening now - is finished.
[Source: NAIAS via Green Car Congress]
PRESS RELEASE:
How do you do! NAIAS Crowds to Be Introduced to Four More Debuts
The list of product debuts continues to grow for the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) as the world's auto manufacturers and more than 6,000 international journalists are set to converge on Detroit in less than one month.
Chevrolet and Kia Added To NAIAS 2009 Debuts
Chevrolet and Kia are the latest automakers to reveal worldwide debuts for NAIAS 2009. Chevrolet will premiere the 2010 Equinox and Kia will take the wraps off a new concept.
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover that General Motors boasts likely will deliver best-in-class fuel economy when it goes on sale in mid-2009. Completely redesigned inside and out, the Equinox also can be loaded with all kinds of technological features.
Kia is keeping secret until its NAIAS 2009 press conference the name and details of its concept. But as the sketch indicates, the concept is intended to demonstrate the flexibility of the newly introduced 2010 Kia Soul, originally shown in concept form at NAIAS 2006.
General Motors and Smart Bring Paris Debuts to Detroit for North American Premiere
General Motors and Smart have announced they will use the NAIAS 2009 stage for the North American debut of a number of new production models that made their world premiere at the 2008 Paris auto show.
GM will show the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, Chevrolet Cruze small car and the Chevrolet Orlando concept. Smart will display the electric ForTwo.
GM unveiled the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and the Chevrolet Cruze small car, vehicles in Paris because they will soon go on sale in Europe.
A station wagon version of the wildly popular Cadillac CTS goes on sale in Europe and the U.S. in the spring. It features the same dramatic styling as the CTS and shares its underpinnings but features 25 cubic feet of space behind the rear doors. Engine choices are a base 263-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and an optional 304-horsepower direct-injection version of the same engine. Transmission options are the same as well, so the CTS Sport Wagon will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic in either rear- or all-wheel drive.
The Chevrolet Cruze will be built and sold in more than 100 countries globally. The five-passenger subcompact -- which is smaller than the Cobalt -- first goes on sale in Europe in March. The U.S. version, to be built in Lordstown, Ohio, follows later as a replacement for the Chevrolet Cobalt.
GM also will unveil to North America the Chevrolet Orlando people-mover concept shown in Paris. The small, seven-passenger multipurpose vehicle could eventually be added to Chevrolet's line.
Smart division will display in Detroit the electric-powered ForTwo it is working on and showed in Paris. Smart plans to equip the electric ForTwo with advanced lithium-ion batteries.
NewsFlash and ShowTalk Go Digital
This year, the Auto Show's key industry publications are being designed and delivered in a digital format. This move reflects the Auto Show's commitment to deliver both event and industry-related news in a more timely and productive way. The new approach to NewsFlash and ShowTalk is part of a larger auto show communications' initiative that will be implemented beginning in 2009. Experience more at the new Auto Show web site, www.naias.com.
About the North American International Auto Show
Rod Alberts - Executive Director
Entering its 21st year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most - up close and in one place. One of the largest media events in North America, the NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com.
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