Premiere of the new smart fortwo in the USA

The new smart fortwo is making its debut for the very first time on United States soil. The new vehicle will be on display at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan (January 7 to 21, 2007). The new smart fortwo will be available in the USA for purchase beginning in the first quarter of 2008. The car shown in Detroit is an European version of the new smart fortwo. Model lines to be available in the United States will be announced at later date.

smart, like Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, is part of the Mercedes Car Group. The exhibition stand is directly opposite Chrysler and Dodge in Oakland Hall (inside Cobo Center). Written in large letters on the stand are the words "Coming to the USA in 2008". And front and center, a smart fortwo with red bodypanels and a silver tridion safety cell, will be on display. The tridion safety cell and other components of the sophisticated safety management system will be highlighted at the show.

The new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but better. This means that the new smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more environmentally friendly than its predecessor. And from the first draft it is designed to meet American consumer needs and registration standards.

The right car at the right time

It is time for the smart fortwo to make an appearance in the USA; fuel prices are rising and city traffic is increasing by the day. In short, the smart fortwo is the right car at the right time.

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, the two-seater quickly became a popular vehicle following its launch in October 1998. The same is sure to hold true in the USA.

More than 770,000 customers have chosen the first generation of the smart fortwo – often to replace a larger car with the lively two-seater. Because the smart fortwo is something special and stands out from the crowd, and because it is simply fun to drive.

Apart from this, the vehicle concept is also highly practical – especially for people who live in cities or urban areas. On most vehicle journeys a car carries just a single occupant. smart’s unique design and size allows the car to maneuver big city traffic and parking easily. The smart fortwo can easily fit in tight places and can park in spaces larger vehicles have to pass by.

As early as 2002, the smart fortwo was included in the permanent collection in New York’s Museum of Modern Art – the only vehicle there that is still produced today. The five other models to attain this honor were the Cisitalia, Jaguar E-Type, Willy’s Jeep, Ferrari Formula 1 and Volkswagen Beetle.

The right distribution partner

With Roger Penske and UnitedAuto Group, smart has the right distribution partner to bring the smart fortwo to the US market in 2008. smart USA is currently reviewing market data to determine dealership locations – no specific locations have been identified to date. Dealer organizations will be announced during the second half of 2007. Starting price for the smart fortwo is expected to be under $15,000.

UnitedAuto Group, Inc., headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, operates 319 dealers with 41 different brands and 27 repair workshops. UAG specializes in the sale of new and pre-owned cars, financing, insurance and supplying spare parts and also offers a maintenance and repair service for all the brands it offers.

Pictures of the new smart fortwo in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles as well as other images are available at http://media.smart.com