DaimlerChrysler's Zetsche Upbeat On Smart Car For U.S.

Ganja Ninja

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Fri Jun-02-06 08:37 AM
Original message

DaimlerChrysler's Zetsche Upbeat On Smart Car For U.S.

06.01.06, 11:41 AM ET

SNIP
Though the 8-foot 2-inch Smart car will certainly look strange on the U.S.' beach-sized highways and fare poorly on the rugged terrain of Uncle Sam's more mountainous areas, it could definitely catch on in Boston, Chicago, New York and Miami Beach. DaimlerChrysler Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche said Wednesday night that the chances of introducing the Smart in the U.S. were "good".

Speaking to reporters in Portland, Zetsche said: "The trend is positive," and added that the company was still examining the sales and distribution channels that would be used if Smart is launched in the U.S. market.

SNIP
Zetsche reiterated that a decision on whether or not to launch Smart in the U.S. is expected in June.

http://www.forbes.com/2006/06/01/zetsche-smart-car-cx_cn_0601autofacescan05.html

I saw my first Smart Car on the roads in the Tampa yesterday. It had no problem keeping up with traffic and getting away from stop lights.
It had temporary plates on it and the plate holder had the dealers website address on it. For those who can't wait for Chrysler to import the Smart here it is:
http://www.foreignaffairsauto.com/smart.html

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Magleetis

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Fri Jun-02-06 08:49 AM
Response to Original message

1. Italy

has many of the Smart cars. My cousins in Italy said they would not have one because they are very dangerous. They are very fast and when you crash there is nothing to protect you. Instead they drive small high revving diesels that get great MPG.

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Ganja Ninja

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Fri Jun-02-06 08:57 AM
Response to Reply #1

2. It was definitely fast.

I drive a V6 Mazda truck and the Smart was pulling away from me with ease at stop lights. I'm sure it's not all that crash worthy but it has to be safer than a motorcycle.

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MADem

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Fri Jun-02-06 09:43 AM
Response to Reply #2

3. I think it uses that cage technology

So you're riding around in a steel cage, in essence, with panels hanging off of it. It also is airbagged up the ying yang.

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jpak

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Fri Jun-02-06 09:45 AM
Response to Reply #1

4. I saw my first SC in New Zealand

My first thought wuz - why don't we have those in the States????

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Javaman

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Tue Jun-06-06 03:45 PM
Response to Original message

5. I saw my first one here in Austin, Texas...

I was driving along Mopac and low and behold here comes a Smart Car zooming up in the passing lane. It had Mexican plates.

I'm wondering now if I can just bop south of the border and pick one up?

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