smart goes to the USA

The smart fortwo, manufactured by Mercedes Benz, will go on sale in the United States beginning first quarter of 2008 however; its anticipated arrival has many Americans counting down the days. As of early December 2006, over 500,000 people have visited www.smartusa.com and over 25,000 people have registered as smart “insiders” on the site and have requested to receive a monthly newsletter about the vehicle. All this activity comes with little to no media relations efforts.

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean the two-seater quickly became hit following its launch in October 1998. The same excitement is expected in the United States.

To date, more than 770,000 people, in 36 other countries, have decided to switch to a smart fortwo - often to replace a larger car with the snappy two-seater. This is because the smart fortwo is a unique vehicle and a car that stands out from the rest. The vehicle is also - quite simply - fun to drive!

Apart from the joy of driving aspect, the vehicle concept is also highly practical especially for people who live in cities or large urban areas. Most trips in a car are often taken alone, parking is limited in large cities and the vehicle maneuvers around crowded city streets quickly and easily – making it a perfect car for many Americans.

Visible Occupant Protection

It is immediately apparent that the smart fortwo is not only a very agile car, but also a very safe car. Steel is used for all safety-related components and is clearly visible in the tridion safety cell. The cell actually sets the design of the vehicle.

Restraint systems with airbags for the driver and passenger provide outstanding protection for the vehicle’s occupants. Head and thorax airbags are also available (and standard on the US versions) on the smart fortwo.

Even the basic pure model comes standard with all important safety features. smart’s sophisticated safety system includes electronic stability program on all models as standard equipment. This feature is usually reserved for luxury models. The basic equipment also includes abs and hill start assist that prevents the car from rolling back when moving off on an uphill slope.

Safety at the Highest Level

The smart fortwo has been subjected to extensive tests to ensure that it complies with the tough standards of the Mercedes Car Group. These include not only the requirements of EuroNCAP, but also the (in some cases) different standards applicable in America. The little two-seater had to withstand, for example, front and side impacts as well as a rollover test and rear crash at 80 km/h.

The tridion safety cell protects its occupants like the hard shell around a nut. In addition, the metal housing is additionally reinforced at strategically important points with high-strength steel.

The tridion safety cell's longitudinal and transverse members activate the crumple zone of the other vehicle involved in the accident and distribute the impact energy evenly over the car's body. In the event of a collision, the wheels also take on the function of crumple zones. When this happens, the front wheels are supported by the side members.

Ecological

smart achieves great gas mileage with a range of more than 40 miles per gallon; it is one of the most economical petrol-driven cars available today.

The smart fortwo cdi (diesel), which is available in Europe, consumes even less fuel. The diesel engine consume less than 3.5 litres/100 km under standard conditions and is therefore the most successful "three litre" car worldwide. Gas mileage is over 60 miles per gallon.

The smart fortwo will be launched in the USA with gasoline engines. The three cylinder engine has capacity of one litre and delivers 45 kW, 52 kW or 62 kW (61 hp, 71 hp or 84 hp). At the time the article was written the exact US engine model has not yet been determined. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 90 miles per hour. All engines are linked to an automated manual five-speed transmission from Getrag.

Practical

The car’s body panels are made of tough plastic material. These color panels provide a striking difference from the tridion safety cell’s silver or black color. They offer a major advantage, especially in busy city traffic, as they withstand minor knocks unscathed.

Anyone wishing to change the color of their smart fortwo can do so without the help of a collision or paint shop. The body panels are easily replaceable within an hour. The same applies in the event of damage as all exterior parts can be replaced quickly and cost effectively.

Comfortable

Change gears without the need for a clutch!

smart has an automated five-speed transmission which means the smart fortwo does not have a clutch pedal. The transmission changes up a gear in response to a forward tap on the shift lever and down when the shift lever is tapped towards the rear.

The smart fortwo cabrio (convertible) version also offers a high level of comfort. The electric soft top is a further example of the smart fortwo´s comfort. It is fully automatic and can be adjusted to any position even while driving with just a touch of a button. Furthermore, the roof bars can be removed and stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate. The soft top offers further added comfort and safety with the heated rear window made of glass.

smart USA

DiamlerChrysler selected Roger Penske’s UnitedAuto Group to be the sole distributor of the vehicles in 2008. Dealership locations are expected to be announced in mid-2007.

The smart fortwo will start under $15,000 making the car affordable as well as appealing to meet today’s driving challenges.

For more information about the smart fortwo, its safety and ecological factors and to register as a smart “insider” visit – www.smartusa.com.